19/07/2025 17:18
Toto Wolff has soothed the growing concerns of F1's new 2026 rules,
saying "everybody will get used to it." For 2026, the power units
and chassis are both being revamped with active aerodynamics and
increased electrical energy, respectively, the biggest changes.
From next season, the performance from the power units will be
generated in a 50-50 split between internal combustion power and
electrical energy, but there are fears that cars could run out of
electrical energy on circuits with long straights, such as at
Monza. This would see the car then revert to ICE power only,
meaning F2 cars would generate more horsepower than an F1 car in
such a condition. Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner was one
figure calling for a reduction of the electrical energy dependence
to avoid such scenes, but Wolff feels F1 should embrace the new
rules, and simply get on with it. "I think the fans need to enjoy
watching Formula 1, and Formula 1 needs to stay true to itself that
it's a high-performance sport," Wolff told media, including
RacingNews365. "The best man and best machine wins, so this is
what we need to deliver: good racing. "Some cars have been good
fun for the drivers to drive. Some tyres have been good fun, others
not. So, in a way, everybody will get used to it. "Looking at
simulations of today, it's very difficult to exactly know how it's
going to be next year. It's a super challenging new regulation in
making those energy levels last throughout the lap on some of the
tracks. Clearly, at the moment, it's still challenging. "But the
pace of innovation is huge, and it's always been the case in
Formula 1. I believe that we are on the right trajectory. "At the
moment, yes, driving these cars, there will be outliers of tracks
that are clearly very, very different to what it is today. "But you
ask a driver for a good car, give him the strongest, grippiest,
less degrading tyres, 1000 horsepower, naturally aspirated V12, and
that's what they're going to love. We're just in a different era
now."
