Toto Wolff - Drivers 'relearning' F1 as 'gaming factor' takes hold

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff feels there is "a gaming factor" behind Formula 1's new era that is forcing the drivers to "relearn" the sport.

The introduction of new power units, with a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical energy, in tandem with 350kW of extra power being derived from a battery now supplied solely by the MGU-K, made for a new-look F1 that was unveiled over the five days of the shakedown conducted at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya at the end of last month.

The drivers have been required to appreciate the demands of a system that requires considerable harvesting once the power from the battery has been deployed. During grands prix, it will primarily be used to aid overtaking.

There has even been talk of drivers needing to lift and coast over a qualifying lap at certain circuits.

Addressing the matter of a different F1, speaking to select media, including RacingNews365, Wolff said: "It's something you need to relearn in a way.

"It's not just about going full blast through every corner, on every straight, but it's adding this new technical dimension.

"Although it's staying true to our values of the fastest cars in the world, with the best drivers in the world, there is also the energy management, and you have to end up playing around with energy management.

"It's almost like a gaming factor that we have, but without devaluing what Formula 1 stands for. It's the next step that Formula 1 is making."

Wolff dismisses world domination repeat

Many are predicting Mercedes to be comfortably clear of its rivals when racing returns in Australia in early March, as was the case under the last major power unit change ahead of the 2014 season. On that occasion, the team went on to win eight consecutive constructors' championships.

Wolff is convinced that given the nature of F1 these days, particularly with a cost cap and aerodynamic testing regulations in place, a repeat of such dominance is just not possible.

"As a team, if you look at it from a narrow perspective, you want world dominance, winning 24 races of 24, and making it the most successful campaign that any team has ever had," said Wolff. "But that's not my perspective.

"I want to quote someone who I respect a lot, and who once said to me, we would like to win both championships in the last race, in the last corner, to have an exciting season, to provide good entertainment and excitement for our fans and supporters.

"That's a balance you need to strike, and we need to strike it right.

"The way Formula 1 has developed is that most teams work with equal equipment under the same cost cap, so that's why I just don't see big performance differences.

"Obviously, you look at a newcomer or a smaller team, yeah, there might be some challenges, but other than that, I think it will be much more balanced."