Source: REUTERS/Marco Bello
[Saba Sports News] A rare spectacle unfolded in the F1 paddock—the traditionally antagonistic team bosses Toto Wolff of Mercedes and Christian Horner of Red Bull surprisingly reached a consensus regarding changes to the engine rules for the 2026 season. This game-changing negotiation has taken a turn due to potential performance crises. According to the current rules, a new power unit will be introduced in 2026: the 1.6-liter V6 hybrid system will remove the MGU-H device, with electric and internal combustion outputs each accounting for 50%. However, recent simulation data shows disastrous scenarios may occur on fast tracks like Monza and Jeddah—long straights could lead to depleted electric energy reserves, forcing drivers to repeatedly coast to recharge. Therefore, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem even proposed reverting to naturally aspirated V10 engines, but this was rejected by most manufacturers. Previously, Wolff mocked the rule adjustment as a joke, but now his stance has undergone a 180-degree change, indicating he will maintain an open attitude. Horner’s stance is equally intriguing; as his team’s self-developed first set of power units are nearing completion, he publicly supported adjusting the electric deployment ratio, proposing reducing battery output power from 350 kW to 200 kW, thus preserving the technical framework while avoiding races turning into “charging marathons.”