Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff believes that Ferrari will emerge as a prime contender to challenge the Silver Arrows when Formula 1‘s latest era kicks off in 2026.
From next season onwards, the sport will adopt a new concept, promising more nimble cars and improved racing action, all powered by a true 50-50 hybrid power unit.
Looking ahead to the latest chapter in the sport, Wolff is aware that all the engine manufacturers will be gunning to ace the revised power unit regulations.
“I expect Ferrari to be very competitive, and Honda has shown how strong it is; I expect a lot from them with Aston Martin,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Mercedes has been tipped to emerge with the strongest power unit, though the team will have to overcome customer team McLaren, which has outstripped it in this era.
However, the Austrian is bullish that Ferrari, despite its struggles this season, will emerge as one of Mercedes’ closest rivals on track with its factory engine programme.
“The answer is simple: Ferrari,” he continued.
“Seeing Ferrari against Mercedes would be wonderful. A classic. And then Lewis and Charles against Kimi and George, an incredible challenge.
“An Italian driver against an Italian car: can you imagine it? I have no doubt that this duel will happen, next year or in the future. We will experience it, and it will be fantastic.”
Wolff relieved new regulations are coming
Mercedes has endured a downturn in performance in the ground effect era, especially after a dominant run of eight straight Constructors’ titles between 2014 and 2021.
Last season, the Brackley-based team finished fourth in the standings, its worst overall finish since 2012.
But going into 2026, paddock rumours suggest that Mercedes is in the driver’s seat as far as its engine programme is concerned, given its track record with the original turbo-hybrid success.
Wolff hopes that this will be the case when the cars finally take to the track next year.
“From Mercedes’ point of view, I’m very happy that this era of ground effect cars is coming to an end,” Wolff admitted.
“The new regulations are challenging because they will require decisions on where to use the available energy during the lap.
“It will be discussed and criticised, like any new regulation in F1, but it will be accepted over time.”
Since Christian Horner’s dismissal by Red Bull last month, speculation has been rife about the futures of other team bosses on the grid who have been struggling for outright performance.
For Wolff, however, this period of sustained disappointment is only fuel for success when 2026 rolls on.
“I look in the mirror and ask myself: am I contributing to the team’s success? If I weren’t, I would be the first to choose someone to replace me,” he asserted.
“I could become CEO or president and sit on a sofa asking for feedback on performance. It would be easier, but I love challenges.
“I had a difficult childhood and adolescence, and pressure is my comfort zone. If there’s no pressure, I get bored. I’m motivated by challenges and victories: the rest comes later for me.”
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