Toto Wolff indicated Mercedes’ support for an important change in Formula 1 engines from 2027. The proposal foresees reducing the electrical dependency of the power units and increasing the participation of the combustion engine again.
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The 2026 regulations establish a 50% power split between the combustion engine and the 350 kW electrical systems. However, in the first races, energy management problems arose, mainly with power cuts at the end of straights and lift and coast strategies during fast qualifying laps.
To minimize the effects, adjustments were already made before the Miami GP. Now, category leaders and manufacturers are discussing changing the ratio to 60:40 in favor of the combustion engine from 2027. The change still depends on supermajority approval in the Power Unit Advisory Committee, formed by Audi, Honda, Ferrari, Mercedes HPP, Red Bull Powertrains, FIA, and Formula 1.
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While Honda indicated being open to the FIA’s decision, Audi and Ferrari would be against the change. The German manufacturer, especially, reportedly showed dissatisfaction after heavily investing in the original 50:50 concept before a possible such quick regulation change.
Even with Mercedes being considered a reference in power unit development, Wolff stated he sees sense in the proposal. “It’s easier to talk about my position, but I think the races are quite interesting,” he said after the Canadian GP. The executive also highlighted that the Montréal circuit helped with energy management but acknowledged the need for adjustments. “The changes we anticipate, increasing power and helping with energy deployment, are good changes. They require compromises from all manufacturers but seem like a sensible approach,” he concluded.
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