Toto Wolff has firmly dismissed reports that the Mercedes F1 team is parting ways with its significant sponsor and shareholder, Ineos, owned by chemicals magnate Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Last year's press release unveiling the final Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton would drive highlighted Ineos prominently, mentioning the brand twice. "The livery," read the 2024 statement, "truly reflects who we are as a team with the distinctive colours of Ineos and Petronas providing important highlights.
"The distinguished Ineos 'Toto Rosso' red features predominantly on the rear-wing and roll hoop in a nod to Ineos Sport, with Petronas green providing a dynamic flow across the car," it added.
Yet, with the recent reveal of Mercedes' 2025 car and livery, the once-notable red accents have vanished, and references to Ineos are conspicuously scarce on the updated design.
The Telegraph reported just before the launch that tensions had simmered between Ratcliffe and Wolff over the off-season, despite Ratcliffe retaining his 30 percent ownership in the team.
Wolff, who also holds a 30 percent share, denies any behind-the-scenes efforts to arrange funding to acquire Ratcliffe's stake amid alleged financial strain at Ineos.
"Never a consideration," the Austrian insists.
"Jim Ratcliffe is one of the three amigos - Mercedes, Jim and I. We are never going to part ways. He's been a great sponsor.
"We have had projects together. Nothing you read in the news will change anything," Wolff added.
A Mercedes spokesperson, when pressed for an official statement, said: "There have been no discussions at any point of a shareholder change and sponsorship with Ineos is ongoing and stable."
According to Sportico's November 2024 rankings, the Mercedes F1 team's valuation nears $4 billion, placing Ratcliffe's stake at well over $1 billion.
