Toto Wolff delivers strong F1 fan verdict over new regulations

Toto Wolff has defended the new F1 cars for 2026, claiming 90 per cent of fans are enjoying the current racing spectacle.

F1 has gone through an extreme regulation change this year, with significant modifications made to the power units and aerodynamics.

Mercedes has commenced the season in the best possible fashion, scoring 1-2 finishes at the opening two rounds of the year.

The increase in energy harvesting and deployment has seen drivers blast past their rivals along the straights, leading to criticism by some drivers over the new rules of engagement.

Among the most vocal of those who disapprove is Max Verstappen, with the four-time champion labelling the new cars “anti-racing”.

Wolff, however, has declared that the priority is on what the fans enjoy.

“Not everyone's complaining, but some drivers are having problems with the complex electronic management,” he told oe24.

“The main target group, however, is the fans, and over 90 per cent of them think we now have entertaining racing: entertaining and exciting.”

F1's new power units have seen a major increase in the electrical output, bringing it level with the combustion engine.

Highlighting the necessity for F1 to move on from the previous era, Wolff said: “In sports, you always have to evolve. 

“You should respect both sides: the opinions of the traditionalists who want the sport to stay the way it used to be, and those of the new fans who say, 'We actually like it the way it is now, and that's how it should stay'.

“We have to evaluate what's best for F1 and its fans. At the moment, we see a clear direction.”