Wolff dismisses engine row as Verstappen warns of Mercedes power gain

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed the controversy surrounding the manufacturer’s new engine as a “storm in a teacup” despite stark warnings from world champion Max Verstappen.

The FIA recently approved the Brackley-based outfit’s use of their new power unit design until at least the summer break.

Rivals understand that Mercedes have found a method to boost the compression ratio of their engines beyond the 16.1 threshold when heated.

Current regulations state that this metric is only measured at an ambient temperature, creating a technical debate within the paddock.

‘Not worth the fight’

An electronic vote is now being conducted among power unit manufacturers regarding the implementation of a new hot-temperature compression ratio test.

Wolff maintains that the engine has not justified the intense backlash it has attracted from rival teams.

“We said it all along that this looks like a storm in a teacup,” the Austrian said during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

“If these numbers had been true, absolutely we would understand why somebody would fight it.”

Wolff indicated that the German marque is prepared to accept the outcome of the vote regardless of the result.

“Eventually, it’s not worth the fight,” he added.

“It doesn’t change anything for us, whether we stay like this or whether we change to the new regulations.”

Verstappen predicts significant gains

Wolff had previously suggested the technical breakthrough might only yield a minimal advantage of two or three horsepower.

However, Verstappen remains unconvinced by that assessment and believes the true figure is substantially higher.

“You can definitely put a zero behind that,” the Red Bull driver warned when presented with his rival’s remarks.

A gain of 20 to 30 horsepower could theoretically translate to an advantage of approximately three-tenths of a second per lap.

Focus shifts to Melbourne

The Dutchman has urged the Formula 1 world to monitor Mercedes’ straight-line speed when the season begins in Australia.

Verstappen suggested that Mercedes may have been managing expectations during recent sessions.

“I understand what they’re trying to do,” he said.

“I can tell you one thing – just wait until Melbourne and see how much power they have.”

“Just wait until Melbourne to see how hard they’re going to go on the straight.”