Toto Wolff says his 400km/h line was a semi-sarcastic, theoretical example of dumping all hybrid energy on one straight, not a literal prediction
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| Toto Wolff, Mercedes Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images |
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has clarified his comments about the 2026 Formula 1 cars potentially being able to reach 400km/h. Describing his comments as 'semi-sarcastic', he explained the context behind them ahead of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix.
The Austrian originally commented on next season's car to Auto Motor und Sport, where he claimed that "when the full power is deployed, we will scratch the 400km/h limit."
This comment sparked multiple reactions from the paddock.
"Maybe Toto's engine will reach that," Red Bull's Max Verstappen joked. "I don't know. I think the FIA has already explained quite clearly that they won't allow it."
Williams' Carlos Sainz also added his thoughts: "I wish if that's the case. The HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] must be doing a good job, but I didn't hit [400km/h]."
Pierre Gasly didn't believe the Mercedes chief's claims: "I don't believe stories, I only believe what I see. I'm sure we can even go 400 with those cars if you change the gearbox and increase the straights. Take off the first chicane in Monza.
"I've tried the car in the simulator and I know what it does. I'm not too sure where that comes from, to be honest."
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| Getty Images |
Explaining himself after FP1 at Zandvoort, Wolff was quick to set everyone at ease.
"Everybody's talking those engines down so I had to figure out is there anything positive and that is if you were to deploy - obviously semi-sarcastically - but if you were to deploy all the energy on a single straight you could make those cars go 400km/h.
"And I don't know if somebody got afraid by it, but we could. But there wouldn't be much electric energy left for the other few corners on a track on a circuit."
Wolff's comments were then partially intended as a counter-narrative to combat the criticism the 2026 power unit regulations are currently coming under.
These regulations will introduce a 50-50 split between electric and combustion engine power, on top of active aerodynamics and a boost function which replaces DRS. An objective of the FIA is to increase the top speed of cars next season while reducing downforce, so while there is talk of cars being limited, Motorsport.com understands that this isn't yet seen as a safety issue.
As expected, the FIA will also be tweaking the regulations based on feedback from teams.
- Alex Harrington
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