Ineos CEO Takes a Cheeky Dig at Mercedes in Front of Toto Wolff

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,”

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.

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,”

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.

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.