Wolff refutes claims that Mercedes will lose a 30 percent stake in ownership.

      Toto Wolff has refuted claims that the Mercedes F1 team is losing the support of its major chemical sponsor, Ineos. A press release for the launch of the last Mercedes that Lewis Hamilton would drive in 2024 mentioned Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos brand on two occasions. The statement noted, "The livery truly reflects who we are as a team, with the distinctive colors of Ineos and Petronas providing important highlights. The notable Ineos 'Toto Rosso' red is prominently featured on the rear wing and roll hoop, paying tribute to Ineos Sport, while Petronas green contributes to a dynamic flow across the car."

      However, the launch of Mercedes’ 2025 livery and car in recent days revealed that the prominent red branding has disappeared, making it difficult to find any mention of Ineos on the new vehicle. The Telegraph had reported just before the launch that Ratcliffe and Wolff might have experienced tensions over the winter, despite Ratcliffe currently holding a 30 percent ownership stake in the team. Wolff, also a 30 percent owner, denies that he and Mercedes have been secretly working to find funding to buy Ratcliffe out, amid rumors of financial issues for Ineos. "That has never been a consideration," the Austrian stated. "Jim Ratcliffe is one of the three amigos—Mercedes, Jim, and I. We will never part ways. He has been a fantastic sponsor. We have undertaken joint projects. Nothing reported in the news will alter that," Wolff continued.

      When approached for an official comment, a Mercedes spokesperson reiterated, "There have been no discussions at any time regarding a change in shareholders, and sponsorship with Ineos remains ongoing and stable." Sportico's November 2024 rankings estimated that the value of the Mercedes F1 team is nearly $4 billion, placing Ratcliffe's stake at over $1 billion.