Toto Wolff does not want artificial equalization of engines
Formula 1 would be open to a discussion about engine equalization to help Alpine, who is falling behind. An artificial equalization that Toto Wolff doesn't want to see.
The world of Formula 1 came together in Belgium for the FIA Commission. During this meeting, the [organization was open to equalizing the engines](/f1/actualite/31239-la-fia-ouverte-egalisation-performances-moteur.html). The objective would be to assist the Renault power unit, which equips the Alpine team, which would have a deficit of 20 to 33 horsepower compared to other teams, in obtaining the same power as their competitors’ power unit.
In 2022, the regulation called for an engine freeze. The engine manufacturers are no longer allowed to work on the engines to increase their power. The engine teams can only work on reliability since this engine freeze.
« Entertainment comes after sports, and the reason why sports is so credible is because you just have to work hard to succeed. If you fall behind as an engine supplier and your engine is not as performant as the others, it obviously becomes everyone’s problem », said Toto Wolff.
Messing with any type of fuel flow or performance balance (BoP) is a disaster and a declaration of bankruptcy for Formula 1.
The director of the Mercedes team does not want the FIA to intervene regarding the engines. « At the same time, with a frozen engine, we do not want to miss out on giving opportunities to someone, but it has to be done in a meritocratic way », explains the Austrian.
One of the solutions to equalize the engines would be to reduce the power of the engines of the top teams to bring them to the level of the Renault power unit.
The head of Mercedes claims that he is not opposed to certain ways of equalizing the engines, but not artificially. « We have a rule in the 2026 regulations regarding power units, which states that if a power unit loses 3% compared to the top power unit, then teams sit down in good faith and discuss what could be done. Once we have a common understanding of what performance deficit means, we need to discuss how many additional “jokers” can be given. »
« It is something we are ready to discuss, but tampering with any type of fuel flow or Balance of Performance (BoP) is a disaster and a declaration of bankruptcy for Formula 1. It should never be spoken about. »
