Toto Wolff SLAMS Christian Horner’s 2026 engine regulation demand, claims it has ‘zero’ chance of succeeding
Toto Wolff says the regulations were developed over the years and won’t change because of Christian Horner’s concerns now.
Follow Us
Christian Horner & Toto Wolff (Credits: InsideSportIN and RacingNews365)
F1 and FIA came to an agreement regarding the 2026 power unit regulations in August last season. They decided to drop MGU-H and increase the output of MGU-K. This was done to increase electrical power unit output by 50 percent. During the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull boss Christian Horner raised concerns about the outcome of splitting the electric and combustion power by 50/50 and also about the 2026 chassis rules.
The Red Bull team principal claims the combustion engine becoming electrical and generating the need to recharge the battery could ruin racing in Formula 1. He believes the battery size and cooling specifications would increase the car’s weight and bring complexity to the drag levels. While Horner is concerned, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is not. Though the Austrian understands the difficulty in managing the batteries over a lap, he is ready to face challenges.
Toto Wolff does not think Horner’s push for the 2026 engine rule change will succeed. He spoke about changing the rules after the manufacturers signed up for 2026. Wolff stated, “That’s not going to happen. Zero chance. Capital letters. So, I don’t know why these things are coming up. We’ve developed the regulations over many years with all the auto manufacturers being involved, it was a compromise that attracted Audi to finally join the sport. For Honda to stay in there.”
Toto Wolff questions Christian Horner’s motivation regarding the engine change
Wolff added, “I think what frightens him [ Christian Horner] more maybe is that his engine program is not coming along and maybe he wants to kill it that way. You always have to question what is the real motivation to say something like that.” From his statement, it is safe to say that Wolff believes Horner has other personal motivations. It could even be due to Red Bull’s engine development not going as planned.
Toto Wolff claims the regulations will not change or be postponed anymore. He advocates for innovation and sustainability initiatives. The aim is to reduce emissions, and the Mercedes boss is excited to move forward in this direction.
Meanwhile, Christian Horner also raised concerns about drivers “downshifting on straights to regenerate batteries.” Wolff was rather amused by this concern and stated that Formula 1 is an innovative sport and that they can reach viable solutions.
The 51-year-old is thrilled about the 2026 project. Wolff believes it is exciting as F1 will come up with new car concepts. The aim is to make aerodynamically efficient cars that compensate for the lack of combustion output. One would wonder why Horner is concerned, as Red Bull is an efficient team with financial resources capable of producing effective cars.
In case you missed it:
- Toto Wolff accuses Max Verstappen of ‘revenge foul’ as he RUINED Lewis Hamilton’s chances of making it into SQ2 at Austrian GP
- Helmut Marko demands an explanation from Sergio Perez over Austrian GP Sprint race shenanigans while racing Max Verstappen
Stay Updated!
Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)