F1 2026 Power Unit Regulations Debate: Wolff Calls Proposal ‘a Joke’

Formula 1 is scheduled to conduct additional discussions regarding a proposed late alteration to the technical regulations for the 2026 power units, a change that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff famously dismissed as `a joke`.

During the recent F1 Commission meeting held on Thursday, engine manufacturers involved in the 2026 season participated in talks concerning a potential reduction in the electrical energy component of the upcoming technical regulations.

Although a vote was anticipated, it ultimately did not occur. The proposal for changing the regulations would have required the affirmative vote of four out of the five engine suppliers: Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull-Ford Powertrains, Audi, and Honda.

The F1 Commission reviewed, in principle, potential refinements to the energy management strategy for 2026. Discussions also included measures aimed at mitigating financial challenges that Power Unit Manufacturers might encounter due to low performance or notable reliability problems in 2026.

All these subjects are scheduled for more detailed discussion among experts within the relevant advisory committees.

These statements were released by the FIA following the meeting.

Under the forthcoming 2026 regulations, the power unit output is set to be evenly split, 50-50, between the traditional internal combustion engine and electrical power.

Comparatively, the current power units utilized in 2025 rely on approximately 20 percent electrical power, indicating a significant increase planned for 2026.

Nevertheless, the contested proposal involved reducing the electrical motor`s output in race conditions from 350kW to 200kW, shifting the power distribution to a 60-40 split favoring the internal combustion engine.

This potential alteration stemmed from concerns that drivers might deplete their battery capacity on tracks with high power demands and lengthy straights, potentially forcing them to `lift and coast` (reduce throttle early) before braking zones.

Additionally, the F1 Commission meeting in Geneva disclosed plans to investigate alternative materials for the cars` skid blocks. This measure aims to prevent the grass fires observed during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, which were caused by sparks from the cars igniting the trackside grass.

Wolff: Proposal is a joke | Other team bosses `open` to idea

Mercedes is generally considered to be in a strong position regarding the 2026 regulations, which represent the most substantial regulatory overhaul in F1 history, impacting nearly every technical aspect.

A prior meeting held earlier this month discussed the 2026 and future power unit regulations, alongside an agreement among teams not to alter any rules for the upcoming 2025 season.

Following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, team principals were queried about the proposal ahead of Thursday`s expected vote, prompting Wolff to articulate his strong views.

Reading the agenda for the F1 Commission is almost as amusing as some of the comments I encounter on Twitter concerning American politics.

I prefer to refrain from comment to protect ourselves, but honestly, it`s a joke. We had an engine meeting just last week, and now items like this are back on the agenda.

Red Bull is set to commence a new era, developing their own Red Bull Powertrains engine through a technical partnership with Ford.

Christian Horner described the proposal as `pretty sensible,` albeit noting it ideally should have been considered `two years ago`.

Mercedes appears quite confident with the work they`ve completed for next year.

This is something we requested consideration for two years ago, and it wasn`t something we pushed to be on the agenda at all this week.

The FIA has conducted its research, and I believe their primary goal is to desperately prevent excessive `lifting and coasting` during the Grand Prix races themselves, as this would be detrimental to the sport and incredibly frustrating for the drivers.

It`s not something we have lobbied for or specifically requested, and if they are implementing it in the best interest of the sport, then it deserves support.

Both Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed that they were `open` to considering the proposal.

We must approach this with openness and avoid conflicts based on perceived advantages with the battery or similar aspects. That scenario would be the worst outcome for F1.

It is true that we are at a critical juncture with the regulations. Looking back over the past 25 or 30 years, we haven`t experienced such a substantial regulatory change.

This marks the first time we are undertaking changes simultaneously across chassis, engine, and sporting regulations. It presents a considerable challenge for the teams and for the FIA.

Stella added:

My position is very clear. The principle I want to emphasize strongly is that ensuring the success of the 2026 regulations is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. There`s no value in teams competing if the sport itself isn`t good.

The quality of the sport, the spectacle, and the racing itself all depend on the fundamental product.

From the perspective of both chassis and power unit, I believe we should maintain an open dialogue, delving deeply into the details. This includes considering overtaking, power deployment, power harvesting – essentially everything that shapes the quality of the product, and by extension, the spectacle and the overall health of the business. We should examine these aspects thoroughly and not treat the regulations as finalized or `frozen`.

F1 2026 teams and engines