Toto Wolff claims 2026 F1 cars ‘simply far too slow’
Toto Wolff admitted that the current state of 2026 F1 cars was not quick enough for the pinnacle of motorsport.
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Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)
The 2026 Formula 1 season will introduce new engines for the cars with new regulations. The new hybrid concept is set to replace the current engine, where the cars will run 50 percent on battery and 50 percent on combustion fuel. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff believed this concept will make the cars slower.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff expressed his views on the hybrid engine concept. Wolff acknowledged that the current state of cars is much slower, with some lap times being up to ten seconds slower than expected. Despite this significant reduction in speed, The 52-year-old still supports the new concept. He believed that with further development and improvements, the hybrid engines will eventually enhance the performance and overall experience of Formula 1 racing.
And what we have at the moment is simply much too slow. [We have] some lap times that are up to ten seconds slower.Toto Wolff told formula1.de
Further, Wolff emphasized that even though the new Formula 1 cars may seem slower compared to previous years, they are still much faster than any other racing cars. He pointed out that for viewers watching on TV, there’s no noticeable difference in speed. For example, IndyCars might look fast on TV, but in reality, they are about 20 seconds slower per lap than Formula 1 cars. Wolff wanted to remind everyone to keep things in perspective and recognize that F1 cars remain the fastest. He reckoned it should be the most advanced racing vehicle in the world, even with the new hybrid engines. Recently, Zak Brown had claimed that F1 could risk becoming IndyCar.
It's still much faster than anything else out there, and you have to keep it real: For the TV viewer, there's no difference. The IndyCars look fast, but they're 20 seconds slower.Toto Wolff stated
Toto Wolff claims 2026 chassis regulations ‘have to change’
Toto Wolff expressed confidence in the future of Formula 1, highlighting its long history of innovation. He believed that the engineers will develop new techniques and with upcoming changes to the chassis regulations, the cars will definitely regain their speed.
Formula 1 has always been an incubator for innovation. I am convinced that with what the engineers will come up with, and with the chassis regulations that we still have to change.Toto Wolff said
Wolff assured fans and the racing community that, although the new hybrid engines might initially seem slower. The continuous advancements and adjustments will ensure that Formula 1 cars remain the fastest and most exciting vehicles in motorsports. However, as stated previously, this will only happen when the regulations are tweaked to make the cars go faster.
The cars will definitely become fast again.Toto Wolff added
Certainly, Wolff expressed his hope for the new regulations that it will be better. He believed Formula 1 has always been a place where new and advanced technology are introduced. Fans are also hopeful that despite the changes, the thrill and excitement of the races will stay the same.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)