Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has labelled the latest rumoured F1 engine rule changes as a "joke", as he delivered an "American politics" quip.
A summit in Bahrain last week confirmed that the planned 2026 engine overhaul was to go ahead as planned, with the beefed-up electrical systems set to be introduced.
The engines are set to almost triple the electrical energy available with up to 350kw allowed in the batteries, with a 50-50 split in power between the internal combustion engine and the battery.
However, in simulations, on circuits such as Monza with long-straights, it has been found that cars could run out of electrical energy, thus relying solely on the ICE for power.
It was reported over the Saudi weekend that talks are set to take place during the meeting of the F1 Commission next week which could see power in races capped at 200kw, but Mercedes boss Wolff is not a fan of the proposal.
"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 told media including RacingNews365.
"I really want to protect ourselves and make no comment, but it’s a joke.
“A week ago, there was an engine meeting [in Bahrain] and now things like this end up on the agenda again."
Red Bull boss Christian Horner, whose team is in the process of producing its own in-house power unit for the first time, was also quizzed on the proposal.
"Mercedes seems very confident in the job they've done for next year," Horner began when Wolff's comments were put to him.
"It is something we asked to be looked at two years ago, but it is not something we've pushed to be on the agenda [in the F1 Commission] at all.
"The FIA have gone away and done their research, and what they desperately want to avoid is a lot of lifting and coasting in grands prix, which is not good for the sport.
"It is not something we've lobbied for or asked for, and if they're doing it in the interest of the sport, then you've got to support it."
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!