Jul.4 (GMM) Toto Wolff says there is “zero chance” Formula 1 will hit reverse gear on the all-new regulations for 2026.
In Austria, both Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Max Verstappen made public their concerns about the new rules that will dramatically increase the electric elements of the power units.
Horner says that could add another 30kg to the already-hefty F1 cars.
“You’re looking at sportscar type of weight through the cooling that’s going to be required,” he said, as Red Bull works on its own engine project in collaboration with Ford for 2026 and beyond.
“We need to ensure we’re not creating a technical Frankenstein which will require the chassis to compensate to such a degree. We’re worried there will be no tow effect, no DRS because effectively you’re running at that all the time. The combustion engine just a generator to recharge a battery.
“I think that could easily be addressed with just tuning the ratio between combustion and electrical power,” Horner added.
He even warned that drivers may be so desperate to recharge batteries that they will be “downshifting on the straights”.
“I know the FIA are taking it very seriously. They’re looking at it very closely as the simulations become more advanced.”
Indeed, it is believed that at recent F1 Commission meetings, wider concerns have been raised about the 2026 batteries’ ability to keep up with the rules’ lofty aims.
“I’ve been talking about that as well with the team,” world champion Verstappen agreed. “I’ve seen the data already on the simulator as well.
“To me, it looks pretty terrible,” said the Dutchman. “It looks like it’s going to be like whoever has the strongest engine will have a big benefit.”
Verstappen is also worried that the need for active aerodynamics to compensate for the loss of drag will make the cars “awkward” to drive.
“I prefer to control it myself,” he insisted. “If the system has to control that for you, I don’t think that’s the right way forward.
“We have to seriously look at this because ’26 is not that far away. And it’s not something I’m very excited about at the moment.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, however, said he will stridently oppose any moves to tinker too seriously with the 2026 rules.
“All the manufacturers were involved in the process of developing these regulations,” he said. “A compromise was reached which means Audi finally joins our sport and Honda stays.
“Do our chassis designers say ‘How are we going to do this?’ Yes they do,” Wolff admitted. “But there is zero chance that these rules will change or be delayed.
“The world needs to show innovation related to ecology and we are looking forward to it.”
What Wolff does concede, however, is that F1 must work not to add too much to the hefty weight and size of the cars. But he says Horner’s position is basically “alarmism”.
“I suppose he is worried that his engine program is not working and maybe he wants to kill the regulations because of that. You always have to wonder about the motivation behind such statements,” said the Austrian.
Knowing that Toto Wolff is a commercial and political animal this article tells me that Toto sees a distinct advantage back to Mercedes in the current F1 rules.
Christian Horner is a sportsman and a person who is very concerned that F1 does not loose all its character by CHANGING all that is F1 into a different form of racing which should be called Formula-e2 by reading between the lines on this one.
I do not believe that F1 should be forced into completely changing its modus operandi in an effort to appear to be contributing to Climate Change Mitigation. F1 should no longer be called F1 if it is becoming Formula E ( see https://www.fiaformulae.com/en ). I sincerely believe that the two should exist side by side without any further changes. F1 has proved that fuel conservation by using hybrid engines is practical and Toyota lead the world with a fleet of Hybrid cars as a bridge to all EV. It would be a disaster to the planet if all vehicles had to be EV effective 1 Jan, 2026 for example. There is no way that the world would be able to generate enough electric power to sustain that. The world would become like South Africa.
If EV is to completely take over (maybe 2062) then F1 will naturally become the second level of Motor Sport Racing. Historic Cars, Hill Climbs, Rallies and Drag Racing being level 1 (Fuel driven), Formula 1 being level 2 (Hybrid Tech) and then EV as Level 3 for everyday (not entertainment). Note EV will eventually become NV when mankind learns to completely harness and trust nuclear power. Meantime let F1 enjoy its phenominal spectacle and audience until it no longer becomes profitable and (maybe) dies a natural death. Coverting F1 to full EV merely takes away the existence of F1 as a replacement for EV.
PS. The spectacle and sound of gasoline fired racing cars (as in F1) will be sadly diminished and missed when it gets too close to EV (hopefully not as soon as 2026!!)
PPS. Toyota is already on the path to EV and the Hybrids will one day disappear, except as specialized vehicles like four wheel drives or vehicles where long distances are essential.