Verstappen jokes about Wolff's 400 km/h claim: 'Toto's engines could!'

16:09, 28 Aug

Updated: 16:55, 28 Aug

byNicole Mulder

Toto Wolff recently caused some stir by suggesting that the new Formula 1 cars of 2026 could reach the limit of 400 kilometers per hour. According to the Mercedes team principal, that is achievable due to the combination of stronger hybrid engines and the new aerodynamic rules. In Zandvoort, Max Verstappen cheekily reacted to Wolff's statements.

Verstappen responds to Wolff's claim

"Maybe Toto's engine will," the four-time world champion joked when asked about the Mercedes team principal's claims in conversation with, among others, GPblog.

"I think the FIA has already explained it fairly well, that they don't allow that on certain circuits. I don't want to say there will be a limit, but attention is being paid to ensure you don't go too fast in terms of energy."

The FIA is aware of the possible dangers that the new generation of cars may bring. The electric part of the engine will produce almost three times as much power in 2026 as it does now and combined with active aerodynamics and the new override mode, extreme top speeds could be achievable.

Street circuits like Monaco and Singapore are mentioned in particular as locations where the FIA may introduce additional rules to prevent cars from arriving at braking points at too high top speeds.