Wolff remains optimistic, foreseeing the 2026 F1 cars surpassing current slow simulation forecasts.
The 2026 Formula 1 cars are currently very slow in simulations compared to today’s models. Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes F1, confirms this, noting that the aerodynamics still need work while active systems should allow the best of both worlds in straights and corners.
“What we need are cars that have the least possible drag on the straights, but enough aerodynamic downforce to be fast in corners,” Wolff stated to ORF.
“What we have now is far too slow. Sometimes, we see lap times that are ten seconds slower than today. But Formula 1 has always been a cradle of innovation, and I am convinced that the cars will become fast again through engineers’ ideas.”
However, the Austrian reminds that speed is not an end in itself: “The cars are always much faster than anything else. It’s also important to understand that the difference is minimal for the viewer. IndyCars look fast too, but they are 20 seconds slower than Formula 1 cars.”
For the first time, Wolff hints that the electric component is too significant, suggesting perhaps more thermal power was needed. He highlights a balance that would not have been negative thanks to synthetic fuels, but hybridization remains more virtuous.
“Maybe we needed a bit less battery and a bit more combustion engine. After all, we will already be running entirely on sustainable fuel. This fuel is 100% sustainable, so we could have made some adjustments. But anyway, it’s too late for that now.”
He confirms that next-generation engines would be incompatible with high-downforce monoposes like current F1s, and less air resistance in the straights is needed to not quickly exhaust the electric power.
“If we applied the current regulations, the speed would certainly be too low. We need cars that have the least possible drag on the straights, but still enough downforce in the corners to be fast.”
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Wolff: 2026 F1s to Defy Slower Sim Results Wolff: 2026 F1s to Defy Slower Sim Results
