Mercedes boss hits out at FIA’s suggestion to scale back electric power in future engines
Formula 1 is heading into a new engine era in 2026, but not everyone is happy with how the rulebook might evolve. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has slammed recent discussions about potentially reducing hybrid power usage as “a joke,” comparing the FIA’s agenda to following American politics on Twitter.
The controversy stems from an idea that will be discussed by the F1 Commission this week — a proposal that could see the electric component of the hybrid units limited in order to prevent awkward and unexciting racing situations. But for teams like Mercedes, the suggestion has raised more questions than answers.
The FIA wants to avoid energy depletion on high-speed tracks
Under the current 2026 regulations, F1 power units are set to become even more dependent on hybrid energy, with a larger portion of overall output expected to come from electric sources. But there’s a catch: on power-sensitive circuits like Monza, Baku, Las Vegas and Jeddah, batteries could drain quickly down long straights — potentially leaving cars vulnerable, slower, and worse yet, boring to watch.
To address this, the FIA is reportedly considering a soft rewrite of energy deployment rules. Rather than make hardware changes, they may reduce the amount of usable battery power in race mode. The most extreme suggestion on the table? Dropping the electric motor’s output from 350 kW to 200 kW.
Wolff isn’t buying it: “We just had a meeting. Now this?”
Wolff didn’t mince words when asked about the proposal:
“Reading the F1 Commission’s agenda is like reading American politics on Twitter. It’s a joke,” he said.
“I don’t want to comment too much because I want to protect ourselves — but we literally had a power unit meeting last week. Then suddenly, this pops up again. It’s laughable.”
Horner distances Red Bull from the proposal: “We didn’t ask for this now”
Photographer: Sam Bagnall
Despite Red Bull building its own power units with Ford for 2026, Christian Horner was quick to clarify that they weren’t behind this recent proposal.
“We raised concerns about this two years ago, but we didn’t bring it to the table this week,” he told Autosport.
“The FIA carried out its own study. They’re worried about drivers having to back off constantly to recharge batteries — that would be frustrating for drivers and bad for the show.”
“If the changes are about protecting the integrity of the sport, then of course we support that. But we haven’t been lobbying for this.”
Cowell: “Will it be different? Yes. But is it worse? I’m not sure.”
Andy Cowell, the former head of Mercedes’ power unit division and now Aston Martin team principal, had a more measured take. He believes hybrid challenges are part of the territory, especially on long tracks like Jeddah:
“The nature of energy deployment varies depending on the circuit. It’s just how hybrid systems work,” he explained.
“Will it change things? Yes. Will it make things worse? I’m not sure. We’re all playing by the same rulebook.”
McLaren’s Stella: “Freezing the rules isn’t the answer either”
McLaren boss Andrea Stella struck a diplomatic tone, emphasizing that flexibility is key if the sport wants to make 2026 a success.
“The guiding principle should be that we all work toward the success of the 2026 ruleset,” he said.
“The health of the sport is more important than which team has a temporary overtaking advantage.”
“Energy management, power deployment, overtaking ease — these things all affect the spectacle. So I don’t think the answer is to say the rules are set in stone and untouchable.”
Ferrari’s Vasseur agrees: “Let’s not turn this into a selfish debate”
Photographer: FIA FIA
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur echoed Stella’s thoughts, warning against teams using regulation discussions to protect perceived competitive advantages.
“We need to stay open-minded in these talks,” Vasseur said.
“If any team starts stirring up trouble just because they think they’ve got a battery advantage, that’s the worst possible scenario for F1.”
“This is the first time in F1 history that chassis, engine, and sporting regulations are all changing at once. It’s a massive challenge for everyone. We need to have a constructive discussion this week and find common ground.”
