Wolff adamant driver intelligence will play a "massive part" in 2026

09:00, 22 Dec

byLuke-John Buckle

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is adamant that driver preparation and the intelligence of the drivers will make a significant difference in 2026.

"The intelligence of a driver, the driver who puts a lot of work into the preparation for the weekend. Just talk to them, they like it.”

- Toto Wolff

The 2026 Formula 1 season will see a new generation of cars with active aero and different engines.

Next year, the cars will have a 50-50 split of internal combustion and electrical power.

Wolff explained on the Mercedes F1 team's YouTube channel that he feels the drivers who prepare thoroughly will enjoy the new rules.

He said: "I just came out of the simulator watching the car drive. It’s going to be fascinating.”

“It [the new rules] adds a completely new dimension, of which you don’t lose that real racing.

Photo: Race Pictures

“But energy deployment will be playing a massive part, and the intelligence of a driver, the driver who puts a lot of work into the preparation for the weekend. Just talk to them, they like it.”

Ahead of 2026, Mercedes will be looking to hit the ground running next year after failing to win a world championship in the ground effect era from 2022-2025.

Rumours also suggest that the Germans and Red Bull Powertrains may have found a loophole heading into the new season.

Antonelli is hoping for a repeat of 2014

Mercedes won eight Constructors' Championships at the start of the hybrid era, a run that began in 2014.

The German team were the class of the field that year, and Kimi Antonelli is hoping Mercedes can repeat that success next season.

Antonelli had a mixed rookie season after joining the Formula 1 grid with a lot of attention after a superb junior career.

The 19-year-old scored three podiums and recovered from a difficult run over the summer to score two top-three finishes in Brazil and Las Vegas.

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