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Several drivers, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, criticized the new regulations, claiming the 2026 cars are worse than last year’s.
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Norris went from praising the new cars in pre-season testing to calling them the “worst,” citing issues with battery recharge and energy management affecting race pace.
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Verstappen has been consistent in his concerns since 2023, with the Australian GP validating some of his predictions.
Wolff’s Take
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F1 can be “very nostalgic” – drivers often compare new cars unfavorably to older models.
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He pointed out that last year’s cars weren’t universally praised either, suggesting complaints are partly due to looking back at the past with rose-tinted glasses.
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Emphasized the need for a great spectacle: top-tier cars, the best drivers, and excitement for fans.
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Highlighted that while driver feedback matters, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali prioritizes the fans’ enjoyment over drivers’ opinions.
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Wolff noted F1 has the flexibility to tweak regulations if needed, balancing competitiveness, reliability, and entertainment.
Takeaway
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Mercedes acknowledges driver frustration but frames it as nostalgia rather than objective criticism.
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Fan experience remains the ultimate metric for judging the success of regulation changes.
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Wolff implies the sport will adapt and evolve if feedback indicates the need for adjustments.
Essentially, Wolff is saying: drivers may grumble, but it’s all about making F1 exciting for fans, and the rules can be adjusted if required.