Recent speculation suggesting a potential separation between INEOS and the Mercedes Formula 1 team has been firmly rejected by team principal Toto Wolff. Amidst swirling rumors reported earlier in the week, Wolff addressed the claims directly at F1’s season launch event in London, assuring fans and stakeholders of the unwavering partnership. This Mercedes F1 News update clarifies the situation and highlights Mercedes’ forward-looking approach as they gear up for the 2025 season.
INEOS, under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, holds a significant one-third stake in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, mirroring the ownership split between Wolff and Mercedes-Benz themselves. Despite reports hinting at a possible buy-out of Ratcliffe’s shares by Mercedes, Wolff emphatically dismissed these notions as baseless. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Wolff stated, “[It was] never a consideration. Jim Ratcliffe is one of us three amigos – Mercedes, Jim and I. We are never going to part ways.” He further emphasized Ratcliffe’s valuable contribution, adding, “He’s been a great sponsor. We have had projects together. Nothing you read in the news will change anything.” A Mercedes spokesperson corroborated Wolff’s statement, confirming the stability of the shareholder structure and the ongoing sponsorship with INEOS.
The rumors of a potential split emerged against a backdrop of INEOS’s recent adjustments to its sports investments, including cutbacks at Manchester United and changes with Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team. However, Wolff’s firm denial and Mercedes’ official statement underscore the strength and continuity of the INEOS-Mercedes partnership within Formula 1.
Looking ahead, Wolff shifted the focus to the future, particularly the highly anticipated 2025 season. Mercedes unveiled their W16 livery at the F1 75 Live event in London, signaling the start of a new chapter for the team. The W16 is set for its formal launch and shakedown in Bahrain, driven by George Russell and promising talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, ahead of pre-season testing. This season marks a significant transition for Mercedes as they embark on their first campaign without seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has made a high-profile move to Ferrari.
“We are excited,” Wolff expressed, conveying the team’s eagerness to return to racing. “It seems like such a long time that we haven’t raced. Finally, [we get] to see whether we have improved the car and have the weekends like we had in Las Vegas, whether we can have more.” Highlighting Mercedes’ rich motorsport heritage, Wolff added, “Mercedes has a long history in motorsport and it’s an unbelievable honour to carry that baton forward. We start to write the next chapter in our story this year with George and Kimi, and we’re excited to get going.”
As Mercedes prepares for pre-season testing in Bahrain, live coverage will be available on Sky Sports F1 from February 26-28. Fans can stay updated with the latest mercedes f1 news and follow the team’s progress as they launch into a new era.
