Why Toto Wolff expects new 2026 F1 cars to be ‘fascinating’

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has looked ahead to the new era of Formula 1 ushered in by 2026, expecting excitement after “difficult years” for his team.

The Brackley-based team cemented itself as one of F1’s most dominant outfits during the hybrid era, winning eight Constructors’ Championships between 2014 and 2021.

However, fortunes shifted as the paddock moved to the ground-effect cars from 2022 onwards.

There were momentary highlights, like Lewis Hamilton’s win at home in 2024, but nothing like the glory of an era past.

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A small token of joy for the Silver Arrows will be that its engine remained competitive, powering Lando Norris and McLaren to titles over the last two seasons.

The 2026 F1 season will see significant regulation changes, including all-new engines, active aerodynamics, and the loss of DRS.

Rumours place Mercedes as the team to beat in 2026, much like they kicked off a period of relative domination as the hybrid era began.

While Wolff has remained coy on that talk, he is no doubt excited to see his car on track at January’s pre-season test in Barcelona.

“We had a very successful spell over those years,” he said in a Mercedes social media video. “We won eight championships.

“But we had difficult years that followed. And so this one era ends, an era that we will be looking back with a lot of positive memories, mostly positive memories.

“But now we are starting in the real hybrid era. We are driving 50% electric engines with sustainable fuel. And that almost tops, gives it one notch of innovation more. 

“And I just came out of the simulator watching the car drive. It’s going to be fascinating.”

READ MORE – The big doubt looming over Mercedes heading into F1 2026