(Motorsport-Total.com) – The political exchange of blows between Mercedes and Ferrari continues in Silverstone. After Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur reacted angrily on Friday to statements by Toto Wolff about the Scuderia’s update offensive, the Mercedes team principal now responds.
Read more Upgrade dispute continues: Toto Wolff counters Vasseur statements
Wolff emphasizes that the dispute is not personal, even though he could not resist a small dig at his longtime friend. The trigger for the discussion was Wolff’s statements after the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes team principal was surprised at how many large update packages Ferrari has already brought to the track this season and noted that the Scuderia would hardly be able to maintain this development pace in the long term under the budget cap.
Vasseur interpreted these statements as an indirect accusation that Ferrari might be violating the cost cap rules. The Frenchman therefore spoke on Friday of an “ironic” statement and explained that at Ferrari, development is apparently equated with cheating faster than at other top teams.
Wolff: “He should read the whole story”
When asked about this reaction, Wolff showed little understanding. “Fred has to read the press records and not just the headlines,” said the Austrian on Sky. “Then he will understand what I really said.”
His original statement was completely taken out of context. “In the end, I explicitly said that Ferrari will probably have to hold back a bit with updates later in the year because so much has already come.”
There was never an accusation of cheating in it. “There was no talk of cheating or anything like that. It was simply a factual statement.” Then follows probably the clearest sentence of the interview. “Fred gets very easily worked up. But that’s just how he is. I’ve known him for 25 years.”
Competition on the track, friends off it
Despite the public jabs, Wolff does not see the personal relationship as endangered. “We are primarily competitors here,” explains the Mercedes team principal. That there are also more difficult phases is part of the business. “Sometimes you go through easier and sometimes through more difficult times.”
Vasseur also subsequently tried to smooth things over. When asked if the two had spoken to each other in the meantime, the Ferrari team principal replied briefly: “No. We will have time for that during the summer break.”
Read more Hamilton and Leclerc: With teamwork to victory in Silverstone against Antonelli?
The current dispute does not change the friendship, however. “Yes, we remain friends.”
Ralf Schumacher: “That naturally triggers something”
Sky expert Ralf Schumacher can at least partially understand both sides. “I do understand it a bit,” says the former Formula 1 driver. At the same time, he warns against underestimating the impact of such statements. “In the end, that naturally triggers something.”
From Ferrari’s perspective, Wolff’s statement could indeed be understood as implying that later updates would inevitably raise questions. “If you say: If Ferrari spends money now, then they actually can’t bring anything later – otherwise something would be fishy – then that naturally sparks discussions.”
For Schumacher, this kind of political maneuvering has always been part of Formula 1. “That’s simply part of Formula 1. Part of the Game.”
The real background goes far back
In fact, the current debate is only the latest chapter in a political power struggle between Mercedes and Ferrari that has been simmering for months. Outwardly, the dispute revolved around Ferrari’s conspicuous update offensive, but internally it is about much more than new floors or front wings.
In recent months, both manufacturers have repeatedly clashed – among other things in discussions about the interpretation of the engine regulations for 2026, the so-called ADUO system for engine development, technical guidelines around the Mercedes diffuser, as well as various regulatory questions for the coming years.
In addition, Mercedes and Ferrari are now the two teams that regularly meet in the title fight. Accordingly, every public statement by the other is now interpreted very attentively.
Read more Hamilton and Leclerc: With teamwork to victory in Silverstone against Antonelli?