Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff didn’t hold back while reacting to the proposed changes for the 2026 F1 engine regulations, calling the whole thing “a joke.” At the heart of the debate is the new 50/50 hybrid power split equal parts combustion and electric. Some teams fear cars might run out of battery energy mid-race, especially at high-speed circuits like Monza.
Wolff criticized the idea of reopening discussions so soon after an engine meeting, likening the F1 Commission’s agenda to “American Twitter politics.” His frustration comes as others, like McLaren’s Andrea Stella, are urging teams to prioritize the sport’s overall quality and spectacle rather than cling to fixed regulations.
The FIA will address the issue at the upcoming F1 Commission meeting. While no one is asking to overhaul the hardware, subtle tweaks in energy deployment and harvesting may be on the table to protect overtaking and race dynamics critical for the fan experience and long-term health of the sport.
