Wolff issues 2026 warning that could spell worry for Hamilton, Alonso
Photo: Race Pictures
15:36, 10 Dec 2025
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Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years’ experience in sports media. He covers key paddock developments, offering analysis on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work featured on leading platforms.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes Formula 1’s 2026 regulations could give the younger generation of drivers a notable advantage.
“They work on the simulator… is going to have an advantage.”- Toto Wolff
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, the 53-year-old explained why he feels the new rules set to reshape F1 from 2026 may favour drivers who have grown up immersed in simulator work compared to their older counterparts.
“The question is: what is a younger driver? It’s a little bit George [Russell], and his generation, Max [Verstappen], and they are very… they work on the simulator, and they enjoy that. It’s their generation,” he said.
Toto Wolff believes the 2026 regulation will favour younger drivers - Photo: Race Pictures
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Wolff further stated that whichever driver is in love with virtual racing could enjoy a major advantage once the new regulations begin.
“Yes, I think whoever loves to be in the virtual world, be it on a rig at home or in a simulator in the factory, is going to have an advantage,” Wolff concluded.
The 2026 season will usher in one of the biggest regulatory overhauls in Formula 1’s history, with sweeping changes to power units, chassis design, and aerodynamics. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are among the oldest drivers on the 2026 grid.
Wolff lauds McLaren for winning with Mercedes PU
Earlier, Wolff praised the McLaren team for the championship victory it achieved during the 2025 campaign.
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The Mercedes team principal also highlighted how the Woking-based outfit won consecutive constructors’ titles with a Mercedes power unit.
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Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 12.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
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Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
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02:00 PM
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01:00 PM
Friday 12.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
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Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
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Qualification
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Sunday 14.06.26
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| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
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