Mar.14 (GMM) Toto Wolff has hit back at suggestions that Mercedes’ dominant advantage stems from illegal fuel, as George Russell cruised to another sprint victory in Shanghai to underline the scale of the Silver Arrows’ superiority.
“You don’t find 10 horsepower in gasoline. That’s a load of rubbish!” the Mercedes boss told L’Equipe, responding to ongoing political manoeuvring from rivals unsettled by the German manufacturer’s crushing pace.
He was unbothered that his friend Fred Vasseur was among those casting doubt. “One day, we’ll laugh about all this,” Wolff said when asked about the Ferrari boss.
“We’re fighting for a World Championship. Even if he sometimes talks nonsense, he’s still my friend.”
The sprint underlined just how far ahead Mercedes are. Lewis Hamilton’s radio message after sprint qualifying – noting a six-tenth gap to Russell – drew the response from his engineer: “They gained everything with pure power alone.”
For Hamilton, the irony of being on the wrong end of a Mercedes steamroller is not lost. The seven-time world champion, who spent over a decade driving those very engines, knows exactly what lies ahead.
“We need to push hard in Maranello to improve on power,” he said. “It’s something we’ve been aware of since last year – they’ve done a fantastic job, and we have to raise our level.
“As for the car, it’s great – we can compete with them in the corners, but when you’re behind in power, that’s just how it is.”
Ferrari had hoped their new ‘Macarena’ rear wing might narrow the gap, only to remove it from the car after practice. “I think we rushed into bringing it here,” Hamilton admitted.
“It wasn’t planned until race four or five. They’ve done a great job bringing it early, but perhaps it was a bit premature.”
Charles Leclerc was less diplomatic about its likely impact regardless. “I don’t think the new wing will change the situation,” the Monegasque said flatly.
Wolff acknowledged the engine advantage but insisted it tells only part of the story. “Our big advantage is mainly in the corners here,” he said.
“Gasly was fastest on the straights, but we make the most time savings in the corners. What I’m really happy about is how the car drives – you see the onboard images, the cars drive on rails.”
He did not rule out an early start to engine development as a factor. “Maybe we started earlier than others last year,” Wolff admitted.
McLaren’s Andrea Stella was blunt about the pecking order. “It’s only about the place behind Mercedes now, because they are far out of our reach,” the Italian said.
Red Bull’s situation is even bleaker. Isack Hadjar told Canal Plus the team were around two seconds off the pace – a deficit that left his team-mate Max Verstappen livid in a championship that, one race in, already resembles the Mercedes walkover of 2014.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES