Wolff jokes about Mercedes conspiracy theory ahead of 2026

The German team have led the way in terms of engines for much of the hybrid era, and one of their customers, McLaren, is on the verge of taking a second consecutive Constructors' Championship.

Wolff explained he would rather see a Mercedes-engined car winning races than another manufacturer but doesn't want them taking points off the works team too often.

"But on the other side, I'm thinking hopefully they're not harming our campaign too much. So I'm happy for them and happy for the brand," said Wolff to GPblog.

A lot of Mercedes-powered teams have had success this season with McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris battling for their first world title.

Williams have been scoring a significant amount of points in recent races too, with Carlos Sainz driving to third place in Azerbaijan.

The British team have also scored two top-five finishes in the last couple of races, hitting a good run of form after the summer break.

Wolff said that despite him being happy for the Mercedes brand and the engine succeeding, the team principal joked he would like to take their customers' engines from them in 2026.

"On the other side, I'd like to take the engines away next year. Maybe they fail a few times," said Wolff to GPblog.

Wolff and Williams team principal James Vowles worked together very successfully throughout the earlier stages of the hybrid era, winning championships.

Vowles is now leading the Williams team, and Wolff was delighted for his former colleague as his team scored a podium in Azerbaijan.

The Briton left Mercedes at the end of the 2022 season to join Williams in order to seek a new challenge.

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