Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has fiercely criticised the inclusion of 2026 engine regulations on the agenda for Thursday's F1 Commission meeting, branding it a "joke."
Earlier this month, Formula 1 authorities convened with engine manufacturers, including top automotive CEOs, to address a bold proposal to abandon the innovative 2026 engine rules, which feature a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, in favour of a return to V10 engines.
In Saudi Arabia just last weekend, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner highlighted ongoing concerns about the new rules, stating, "The FIA have gone away and done their research, and I think what they want to desperately avoid is a lot of lifting and coasting in the grand prix itself, which is going to be not particularly good for the sport and hugely frustrating for the drivers."
Suspicions linger that Red Bull and Ferrari, the most obvious proponents of revisiting the rules, fear their 2026 power units may lag behind competitors. Horner, however, countered in Saudi Arabia, "Mercedes seem very confident about the work they've done for next year."
Meanwhile, Audi and Honda, staunch advocates for the hybrid-focused 2026 regulations, argue that without these changes, they would not have entered or remained in Formula 1.
The earlier-April meeting concluded with a commitment to proceed with the 2026 rules as planned, though the FIA noted, "All parties agreed to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport."
Wolff, however, expressed astonishment that the engine debate has resurfaced so prominently on the F1 Commission's agenda. "Reading the agenda of the F1 Commission is almost as hilarious as reading some of the comments that I see on Twitter on American politics," he remarked.
Reports suggest Red Bull and Ferrari have pushed for Thursday's meeting to include a potential vote on adjusting the 50-50 power split to reduce the emphasis on electrical components.
Horner refuted claims of direct lobbying, stating, "It's not something we've lobbied for or asked for. If they are doing it in the interest of the sport, then you've got to support it."
Wolff, however, was incensed.
"I really want to protect ourselves and make no comment, but it's a joke. There was only just an engine meeting and then things like this end up on the agenda again," he said, highlighting his frustration with the apparent reversal.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur called for restraint to prevent a public dispute - although his position is also quite clear.
"We have to be open about this and avoid fighting," he said, "even if someone thinks they have an advantage because of the battery or something else. This could be the worst-case scenario for Formula 1."
Vasseur supported further discussion, noting the unprecedented scope of the 2026 changes. "We have never had such a big change in regulations, because this is the first time we are developing a chassis, an engine and making changes to the regulations at the same time," he said.
"It is a challenge for both the teams and the FIA, so let's discuss it this week. Hopefully we can find a decent compromise."
