“Nowhere to hide”: Toto Wolff on F1 rule changes for 2026
Toto Wolff has admitted that Mercedes will have "nowhere to hide" when the F1 rules for 2026 are introduced.
The year 2026 will mark significant changes in technical regulations, particularly around the power unit. With the mandatory use of sustainable fuels, F1 engines will become more electrified starting in 2026.
Red Bull’s boss, Christian Horner, described these changes as the most significant in the history of the sport. As a result, the competitive hierarchy could be shaken up, with increased emphasis on engine performance.
Mercedes had brilliantly managed to establish itself during the last major engine change in 2014. Their power unit was the benchmark on the grid, which allowed them to dominate the discipline.
It was only in 2018 that Ferrari managed to close the gap, although by dubious means, given that the FIA made changes at the end of 2019 to limit the Scuderia.
The 2026 season could follow a similar scenario, but Toto Wolff remains cautious on certain aspects in view of this crucial year.
Speaking to AMuS, the Mercedes boss stated: “I don’t have excessive worries. It’s an extremely interesting challenge. You have to do your job the best you can on all levels. A good engine alone won’t be enough.”
« McLaren will have it too. Then we will have to beat them on the chassis. We have nowhere to hide », he explains.
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Mercedes confident for 2026
Despite Toto Wolff’s caution regarding the threat from McLaren, the general feeling at Mercedes remains positive. Technical director James Allison mentioned an atmosphere similar to that of 2014.
He stated to Sky Sports, in Imola last year: « I wasn’t in the team during the preparation for 2014 when the new generations of power units were in development and the colossal effort to realize them was taking place. But those who were there tell me that the feeling is very similar. »
« There is a huge mobilization within HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] to succeed, as this will determine the trajectory of those who are fortunate enough to have this engine in their cars for the upcoming seasons. »
« We are fortunate to benefit from all the good investments they make for us », he concluded.
