Mercedes Engine 2026: Toto Wolff takes stock

For the teams, the silhouette of their car will not be the only new feature of the 2026 season. Unlike the “aerodynamic revolution” of 2022, that of 2026 will also be accompanied by a new engine. A major challenge when we know that some engine manufacturers manage to take a clear advantage from the start compared to the competition, like Mercedes in 2014 and the switch to hybrid.

While the 6-litre V1,6s will be preserved, the FIA ​​has opted for a simplification of the powertrains with the disappearance of the famous MGU-H (thermal generator engine which recovers energy from the turbocharger) among other things in order to reduce costs and attract potential new engine manufacturers like Audi.

So, while a year still separates these two eras, the brands are already going all out on the subject, like Mercedes, which is counting on 2026 to get the machine going again after a few difficult campaigns. But where is the Star at the moment? According to the first feedback, the project is moving forward, even if it is still too early to have a real idea of ​​its performance.

« We meet certain expectations, that's good., welcomes Toto wolff, main team of Mercedes. For other expectations, we continue to strive to achieve our goals. This is not trivial. But the question is whether we have set our expectations in the right way. So the answer is that we don't know where we are. »

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