“Change your f****** car,” is what comes to mind when Toto Wolff and Christian Horner are in a debate. But this time the tables have turned as the battle for supremacy extends beyond the racetrack. The ongoing debate surrounding the 2026 power units has intensified tensions between rival team principals. As Red Bull‘s dreams of altering the balance between electric and combustion power in the upcoming 2026 PUs are met with resistance, Mercedes‘s team boss dismisses Horner’s proposals, suggesting they may be rooted in fear.

The current technical regulations for power units in F1 have a roughly 80-20 power split between the combustion engine and the electric component. The electric power will get tripled in 2026. However, conflicting opinions have emerged regarding the need to increase the importance of the hybrid part in the upcoming generation of PUs. Horner argues that a reduction of 5-10% in electric power is necessary to prevent drivers from downshifting on straightaways to recharge the battery. He highlights the potential negative impact on race dynamics and calls for adjustments to maintain wheel-to-wheel battles.

Responding to Horner’s proposal, Toto Wolff expresses optimism and counters the concerns raised. According to Formula Passion, he mentions, “Do you really think we won’t come up with a chassis and aerodynamics that prevent the riders from downshifting in a straight line? It’s not realistic. Perhaps what scares Horner the most is that their engine program isn’t progressing as it should. We should ask ourselves what are the motivations behind these statements.” [translated via Google]

He firmly states that the power unit regulations for 2026 will not be altered, as they have been extensively discussed and agreed upon by multiple manufacturers, including Audi. Thus, this seems like a verbal battle where Toto is trying to expose the Red Bull boss’s worst nightmares, regardless of their partnership with Ford.

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While Christian Horner and Toto Wolff engage in a heated debate over the future of F1’s power units, another prominent figure in the sport has voiced his concerns. Max Verstappen expressed his apprehensions during the press conference following the Austrian GP.

Max Verstappen agrees with Christian Horner

Verstappen shared his insights after discussing the matter with his team and analyzing simulator data. He raised alarm over the potential implications of the proposed changes to the power units.

“I mean, if you go flat out on the Monza straight, I don’t know how long, like four or five hundred before the end of the straight, you have to downshift because that way you can go faster. It seems to me that we are moving towards another ‘Formula Engine’, whoever has the best power unit will have a great advantage,” Verstappen stated.

Moreover, Verstappen expressed concern about the impact on aerodynamics and overtaking. With reduced aerodynamic resistance and the implementation of active aerodynamics controlled by the ECU, drivers might face challenges in controlling their cars themselves.

Verstappen’s unease about the potential consequences of the 2026 power unit regulations highlights the need for a thorough evaluation. But considering his skills with the car, do you think Verstappen or even RBR has anything to worry?

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