F1 News: Toto Wolff Reacts To Audi’s Hilarious Snub At Mercedes

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, has reacted to Audi’s joke about its rings being the news stars of the sport as the VW-owned team readies itself to enter F1.

It was rumoured for months that Audi and Porsche would enter F1, and last week it was finally confirmed that both teams will be entering the sport in 2026. While they won’t be joining as new teams, they will be purchasing existing teams meaning they won’t have to pay the $200 million entry fee.

It’s expected that Audi will be purchasing Sauber, who is currently partnering with Alfa Romeo. But this relationship is expected to come to an end at the end of the 2023 season.

With Audi joining F1, this will mark the first time since 2009 that powertrains used in the sport will be built in Germany, with production moving to its headquarters in Ingolstadt.

“This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 powertrain will be built in Germany,” Audi posted to Twitter, pointing out the fact that Mercedes doesn’t do this. Alongside this, they also stated that Audi’s logo, consisting of four rings, will be the new stars – the Mercedes logo.

This amused Wolff, who commented on the joke between the companies:

“I think it’s good that another German OEM is being cheeky on social media, because it’s good for the sport that we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he confirmed.

“And I see it as a compliment that they said the rings are the new stars, it’s good that they join, it’s good that Porsche comes, once that is confirmed.

“It shows the strength of Formula 1 and the attraction that it has for the best brands in the world.”

As explained, Porsche will also be joining F1, with them rumoured to be supplying engines to Red Bull and AlphaTauri from 2026.