(Motorsport-Total.com) – Formula 1 has introduced drastic rule changes for the 2026 season, which initially elicited mixed reactions from drivers and fans. But after adjustments to the regulations ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that anyone complaining about the racing “should hide.”
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The new rules for 2026 brought smaller, lighter cars to the track, now powered by hybrid engines where the power is almost split 50:50 between electric and combustion engines. Especially this change to the power units sparked discussions, as it led to more lift-and-coast phases and so-called superclipping to ensure drivers have enough battery power for each lap.
In Miami, adjustments were made after talks with Formula 1, the FIA, and various stakeholders, and Wolff is convinced these changes had a positive impact on Sunday.
Wolff reacts sharply to rule critics
“If there is even a single person complaining about the race today, then honestly, they should hide,” says the Mercedes team principal after the race in Miami. “Of course, this track is somewhat easier, it is not as energy-intensive. There are good races and there are bad races, but I think that was great, great advertising for Formula 1.”
Before the race, the FIA implemented changes to ease some criticisms of the new rules; including accusations that most overtakes in 2026 were too artificial and that drivers could no longer drive permanently at the limit.
The adjustments included increasing superclipping to a full 350 kilowatts, which is intended to make the speed profile of the new cars more predictable, as well as reducing energy recovery in qualifying from eight to seven megajoules. This makes the cars slower but is supposed to ensure that drivers push harder at the limit, especially in qualifying.
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Further changes: Wolff hits the brakes
Even before the changes were tested in the race, it became known that Formula 1 is already considering adjusting the engine rules next year in favor of a 60:40 ratio between hybrid and electric share.
However, Wolff considers it far too early to talk about further changes: “Anyone who is already talking about short-term changes to the engine regulations should question their way of evaluating Formula 1,” adds the Mercedes team principal. “A spectacular race. Battles for the lead, battles in the midfield. It’s great.”
“Can we adjust and optimize this in the medium term? Absolutely. We were never against making the show even better. I’m thinking of the SM modes (Straightline modes; editor’s note). I believe we need significantly more top speed through these SM modes. We have to be brave there.”
“In the medium term, we are open to that. Whether we can get a bit more power out of the combustion engine? Great. Just give us enough lead time so we can implement it.”
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