Ineos CEO Takes a Cheeky Dig at Mercedes in Front of Toto Wolff
Follow Us
INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe had a brutally honest admission when speaking about Mercedes. Yesterday, the team unveiled its 2020 car and announced a multi-year partnership with chemicals brand INEOS. Team principal Toto Wolff and Ratcliffe were present at the launch of the car.
INEOS and Mercedes team up for 2020
Ratcliffe revealed that the Mercedes from 20 years ago gave the vibe of a taxi cab or a car for old people. Speaking at the launch, Ratcliffe said: “We really appreciate a top technological company like Mercedes. When I think of the image of Mercedes from twenty years ago, I think of a taxi or an old man’s car. I would never have considered buying a Mercedes at the time,”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Not a particularly clever remark to make in the presence of one of the company’s top bosses. Wolff, however, looked surprised during the interaction but remained mum. We can only assume the Austrian was secretly praying for the diatribe to conclude and not turn into a PR disaster.
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Adrian Newey Hits Out at Climate Activist Lewis Hamilton’s Fuel Protest, Desperate to See V10 Engines Again
April 15, 2024 12:35 PM EDT
Who are Zhou Guanyu’s Parents? Everything We Know About The Chinese Driver’s Family
April 16, 2024 02:07 PM EDT
“I Was Quite Depressed”: Adrian Newey Makes Brutal Revelation as He Reveals Red Bull Heavily “Struggling”
April 15, 2024 02:38 PM EDT
New Pet Parent Charles Leclerc Reveals Leo Duty Split With GF Alexandra Saint Mleux
April 18, 2024 03:55 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Ratcliffe concluded by praising the brand for the success and innovation achieved over the years. “The success of Mercedes has done a lot to their name. I now also have a Mercedes, although I am now also an old man,”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 2020 car features a splash of red near the engine cover with the INEOS logo. Additionally, the INEOS logo is also present on the endplate and rear wing. Aesthetically, the car retains its looks from 2019. The familiar silver, green and black paint scheme looks stunning with sharper highlights in this years’ car.
The red tribute star to Niki Lauda also returned and will be featured on the W11 for 2020.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Toto Wolff also had words of praise for their new sponsor. Wolff said: “It is a very proud moment for us to welcome INEOS to Mercedes in their new capacity as principal partner. The company’s ambition, dynamism and entrepreneurial flair are a perfect fit for the spirit of Mercedes-AMG Petronas,”
The W11 will hit the track for the first time on Friday at Silverstone. The Brackley outfit will complete the car’s shakedown before heading over to Barcelona for pre-season testing. Winter testing begins on February 19, 2020.
Written by:
