Wolff: F1 cars may near 400kph under 2026 regs

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the next generation of Formula 1 machinery could smash speed records when the new rules arrive in 2026.

“When full power is deployed, we’ll be approaching the 400 km/h limit,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.

The overhaul includes a 575hp combustion unit combined with almost 500hp of electric boost, three times the current hybrid output, but while overall lap times are predicted to drop slightly, concerns remain that drivers will need to coast to conserve energy in a Formula E-style manner.

Aerodynamic changes will also play a role, with adjustable wings flattening on straights. Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich, already familiar with the 2026 models in the simulator, described the effect: “The car pushes like crazy out of the corners.

"You feel like you’re sitting on a rocket. Top speed is already reached halfway down the straight, then you coast to the braking point.”

Some fear the spectacle may suffer, but Wolff dismissed early criticism. “How can you criticise something that hasn’t even been fully developed yet?” he asked.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “It will be a different driving experience, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be worse. We’ll all get used to it quickly.”

Mercedes technical director James Allison insists the cars will handle better: “The handling will be more pleasant than with current cars. There will be less balance shift between slow and fast corners. It will be easier to keep the understeer and oversteer where you want it.”

Williams chief James Vowles also urged caution: “Don’t listen to drivers who are driving the new cars in the simulator for the first time! Listen to those who are doing it for the fifth time!”

Drugovich agreed the new cornering feel is enjoyable, even if the straight-line drop-off takes adjusting to: “It’s really fun in the corners because the high electric component means there’s always power. The sudden drop in power on the second half of the straight takes some getting used to,” he said.

The FIA is still fine-tuning how energy is deployed and recovered. Audi’s Mattia Binotto warned: “Otherwise, we’ll be driving through the tunnel at 350 km/h in Monte Carlo.”