Wolff admits Ben Sulayem 'supported' Mercedes during engine rule row

09:44, 03 Mar

Updated: 13:04, 03 Mar

byOlly Darcy

Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff revealed that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem "supported" the German team throughout the compression ratio engine discussion.

"If they decided to share an opinion and an agenda, then you're screwed."

- Toto Wolff

Throughout the buildup towards the 2026 season, Mercedes' reported compression ratio 'trick' was a much-debated topic in the paddock.

A new rule was then published by the FIA concerning the measurement of compression ratios. After June 1, power units will be measured not only at ambient temperature but also at 130 degrees Celsius, when Mercedes' engine's compression ratio is said to increase from 16:1 to 18:1.

"It's not only the teams. You need the votes from the governing body, and you need the votes from the commercial rights holder," Wolff explained to GPblog and others during pre-season testing in Bahrain about whether a dangerous precedent around votes could be occurring after the engine saga.

Kimi Antonelli finished Bahrain testing in P2 behind Charles Leclerc and Ferrari - Photo: Race Pictures

"If they decided to share an opinion and an agenda, then you're screwed."

"All along, we had the support of Mohammed Ben Sulayem. He's someone, interestingly, who is a lot into his engines and his cars, and that's why it was, from his perspective, clear what the regulations said, and then the regulations were applied in the right way.

"Of course, he's the president of the FIA. He has all the power in his hands to be part of the decision-making. At the end of the day, it's his call."

Unrest in the Middle East

The 2026 Formula 1 season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, followed by the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. However, the US-Iran conflict could affect what happens afterwards, already influencing the current campaign.

The Bahrain Grand Prix comes after the race weekend in Suzuka, but due to the current conflict, it would be impossible for the Gulf state to host its Grand Prix.

The Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit is scheduled for April 12, and GPblog have analysed what may or may not happen that weekend.