Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has appealed to the FIA to ensure that the new regulations allowing power unit upgrades during the 2026 season do not interfere with the current competitive balance in Formula 1. The regulations include a performance-balancing measure that enables manufacturers trailing the leader by a certain margin to develop their engines.
The FIA is expected to provide clarity on the implementation of these rules ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Wolff emphasized that the regulation's purpose is to allow teams to catch up, not to overtake, and stressed the need for transparency and precision in the decision-making process. With Mercedes dominating the early stages of the season, their engine is likely to be the benchmark for other teams to catch up with.
However, Wolff implied that only Honda, which supplies Aston Martin, needs assistance. He expressed concern that granting upgrades to certain teams could disrupt the competitive pecking order, and hopes that the FIA will protect the sport's integrity by making informed decisions.