Mercedes Formula 1 Team Principal Toto Wolff suspects that some teams in the paddock could be “on the back foot” regarding 2026 engine development.
The 2026 F1 power units will see the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels, the removal of the MGU-H system and a greater reliance on electrification.
As a result, the forthcoming power units will have a 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electrical engine components.
Wolff believes that some teams will be faring better than others when it comes to 2026 power unit development amid calls for the regulations to be revised in light of the announced draft chassis and aerodynamic regulations.
“On the power unit side, the ship has sailed,” said Wolff.
“There are teams that feel they are on the back foot, and there are other teams that will feel, and OEMs, that they have done a good job.
“That’s the normal kind of wrestling on regulations.
“I think on the chassis side there are tweaks that are possible that we need to do. But, on the engine side, the process is far too advanced.”
The 2026 power unit regulations were formalised in 2022 with the draft chassis and aerodynamic regulations announced prior to this month’s Canadian Grand Prix.
Detractors of the chassis and aero regulations believe compromises are being made in the wake of the power unit changes and McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella said “I still think that the way in which the power units are planned to be used needs to be adjusted.”
In response, the FIA’s Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis said he was “confident” a discussion be had among the engine manufacturers regarding the 2026 power units.
“There’s, generally speaking, a very good spirit of collaboration, if there are some tweaks needed, I’m quite confident the PU manufacturers would help and be collaborative here,” said Tombazis.
Wolff’s comments would suggest otherwise and its no surprise given Mercedes has been bullish regarding its forthcoming power unit.
The German marque dominated proceedings when F1 switched to hybrid in 2014 and there’s a feeling a similar occurrence could happen in 2026.
In Monaco, George Russell said “the team are feeling really confident for this era,” claiming Mercedes is “in a really great place to have a great engine.”
With Mercedes failing to win a GP since Sao Paulo, 2022 – it’s no wonder the Brackley-based squad is keen to hold onto any advantage it believes it has for 2026 and beyond.
