As Formula 1 gears up for the significant regulation overhaul coming in 2026, discussions around energy management and power unit performance are heating up—quite literally and politically. One of the key debates centers around the proposed reduction in electric power output from 350 kW to 200 kW, shifting the balance more toward internal combustion engines.
While manufacturers like Red Bull are in favor of this adjustment, Mercedes has taken a firm stance against it. Team principal Toto Wolff didn’t mince words, calling the proposal “a joke,” underscoring Mercedes’ resistance to altering the technical roadmap so close to implementation.
The FIA’s technical department originally suggested this change to prevent potential safety issues—such as grass fires on certain circuits—and to address cost concerns among engine manufacturers. These proposed updates also include possible increases in dyno testing hours and budget allowances for teams facing performance or reliability issues.
However, Mercedes argues that there’s no solid evidence these problems will even occur. They believe that only after the 2026 cars are tested in real-world conditions will teams truly understand the aerodynamic and performance implications. Until then, they see no reason to make premature changes that could derail years of development.
For now, no final decisions have been made. The F1 Commission, which met recently at the FIA’s headquarters in Geneva, has decided to refer the issue to advisory committees for further review. With time ticking down to 2026, the tension between innovation and regulation remains at the forefront of F1’s evolving landscape.
