Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has delivered a stern warning to critics of the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations after the Miami Grand Prix, stating, ‘they should hide’.
Wolff has been one of the most staunch defenders of the new technical regulations, that have divided fans and since their introduction at the start of the season.
Battery management has led to concerns that the value of overtaking is being diminished, dividing fans and drivers alike.
Further concerns over superclipping and excessive closing speeds led to the FIA introducing “enhancements” for Miami to address the issues, and improve the racing spectacle.
Following the first race under the new ruleset, Wolff had stern words for those criticising F1’s current direction and regulations.
“If there’s one single person that complains about the race today, I think they should hide, honestly,” Wolff said to media, including Motorsport Week after the race in Miami.
“Now, obviously this track is a little bit easier, it’s not so energy stuffed. There’s good games and there’s bad games, so I think that was great, great advertising for Formula 1.”
Toto Wolff warns against mid-term regulation changes
Wolff also warned against calls for changing the engine regulations midway through its cycle, instead calling for refinements to the existing set.
“Whoever talks about changing engine regs in the short-term should question his way of assessing Formula 1 at that stage,” he said.
“So spectacular race. Fight for the lead, fight in the midfield. It’s splendid. Can we tweak it and optimise it in the midterm? I think absolutely. We would never be against making the show even better. I’m thinking about SM modes [straightline modes]. I think we need much more straightline speed with the SM modes. We need to be courageous on doing that.
“In the midterm we are not opposed. Whether we could extract a bit more performance out of the ICE… Great. Give us enough lead time so we can actually do it.”
Wolff continues to defend the 2026 regulations and is making his case for their continued development.
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