Wolff: F1 would ‘look silly’ if 2026 hybrid era is cut short

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has warned that Formula 1 risks appearing "silly and erratic" if it abruptly shortens the next engine regulation cycle, which is set to begin in 2026 and last for five years.

With Audi preparing to enter the grid based on the promise of this new power unit platform, Wolff believes any premature shift would undermine the sport’s credibility and commitment to stability.

The discussion around altering the timeline was sparked by FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem, who floated the idea of introducing V10 engines as early as 2028, instead of waiting until 2031.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis recently noted at the Chinese Grand Prix that sustainable fuel advancements and economic pressures could justify simpler, less costly engines, fueling speculation about an accelerated timeline.

“I think the right way to go about it is: do we want three or four years later to go to a different type of power unit?” questioned Tombazis.

“If the answer to that is yes, then there's question number two – what we do in the intervening period.”

However, Wolff remains steadfast in his opposition to any deviation from the agreed-upon timeline.

Wolff: Stability Is Key for F1’s Reputation

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Wolff emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable regulatory environment for manufacturers that have committed to the sport under the 2026 rules.

"We are looking a little bit silly as Formula 1 when we are attracting the likes of Audi and we are pitching a great hybrid engine with sustainable fuels, and then suddenly we are saying we actually only want to keep it three years and not five," he said.

"We need to be a stable and reliable partner that says: 'These are the regulations, that is the investment budget, you need to calculate for it.' And then people can join or not."

Wolff further stressed that prematurely discussing the next engine generation before the current regulations have even taken effect would damage F1’s credibility.

"Before regulations have even started - to say let's look at the next engine and power unit, I just think it makes Formula 1 look a little bit erratic.

"And that is why we all have the same interest between the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams; we want the sport to be great, rather than looking at the success of a single race or season. There needs to be a long-term plan and everybody is pulling on the same side."

A Jab at a Rival and a Nod to History

Without naming them directly, Wolff hinted that Red Bull – currently developing its own power unit for 2026 in collaboration with Ford – might be behind the push to truncate the hybrid era.

“I think it's people that have the feeling that they are maybe not as competitive as they would wish for next year,” he remarked before drawing a parallel to the past.

“Remember 2014, the same people talked down the engine regulations back in the day because their power unit supplier wasn't competitive at the beginning. Now they are doing their own engines and I think there is a lot of fear there that it isn’t going that well and that's why suddenly the manipulation business starts and the V10 comes up as an idea.”

Red Bull has denied these claims, but Wolff’s words suggest a strategic motive behind the V10 proposal.

When asked if he could accept the new regulations lasting only two or three years, Wolff remained pragmatic but cautious.

“If there are the right arguments on bringing it forward,” he said, indicating flexibility only if a compelling case emerges. For now, though, he sees the early pivot as a risky misstep that could alienate key players in the sport.

A Collaborative Future

Despite his skepticism about hasty changes, Wolff affirmed Mercedes’ willingness to discuss Formula 1’s long-term engine direction.

“As Mercedes we are always open to having these discussions,” he explained. “What is the engine of the future? Is it a V8, is it a V10, what kind of hybrid system does it have on the car? Sustainable fuel clearly is going forward, is it a naturally aspirated or turbo engine?”

He stressed that any decision must involve proper governance and consensus among manufacturers.

“Any challenge that comes up is fine for us, as long as there is proper governance on how this engine is being decided upon.

“That governance is in place today, so let's stick our heads together with all the engine manufacturers and see what it is we want to have beyond 2030, and then come up with a plan that is good for Formula 1.”

For Wolff, the path forward lies in collaboration, not knee-jerk reactions.

As Formula 1 navigates its next chapter, his stance serves as a call for stability and foresight—ensuring the sport remains a credible stage for innovation and competition, rather than a chaotic scramble to rewrite the rules.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook