Mercedes boss Toto Wolff came out after the 2026 Japanese GP and hailed the new generation cars, claiming that F1 is becoming “pure racing”. Fans took to the social media platform X and reacted to the Mercedes Team Principal’s remarks about the new regulations.
Multiple F1 drivers have come out since the new regulations were introduced and bashed the new regulations. Max Verstappen has been at the forefront of slamming the regulations, with the likes of Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri joining the Red Bull driver.
Mercedes drivers, on the other hand, haven’t made any strong remarks about the new regulations as the Brackley-based outfit dominates. The Silver Arrows have dominated and won all the races so far, finishing two of the three races 1-2.
Amid the criticism of the new regulations, Toto Wolff came out after the Japanese GP and spoke with DAZN, as he praised the 2026 cars.
“Formula 1 is changing and it’s just becoming pure racing, and it’s very exciting when you see someone harvesting and someone deploying,” said Toto Wolff
Fans took to the social media platform X and bashed the Mercedes Team Principal for his remarks.
“Don’t think fans are stupid, don’t ever think fans are stupid,” commented a user
Another wrote, “Toto is always saying this when Merc is winning lol. He could give two shits about the actual sport itself. This guy can literally fuck off.”
“The Battery King Toto is supposedly the one that pushed this. Of course he likes it! Bring back Horner for balance and V10s!” mentioned another
Some suggested that an exciting spectacle doesn’t translate to the fact that the new F1 regulations create actual racing, while others pointed at how the drivers made the exact opposite comments to Toto Wolff.
“Mario Karts can be exciting.. but it’s not racing” mentioned a user
Another wrote, “Lmaooo Literly straight opposite what the drivers said 😭”
“Toto is apart of the problem. He cares more about winning the driver safety and authentic racing,” commented another
Toto Wolff is in “two minds” over Christian Horner’s return to F1
Christian Horner has been linked to Alpine since getting sacked by Red Bull. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff had an iconic rivalry with Horner, which reached its peak during the 2021 season. When questioned about the Briton’s possible return to the sport, the Mercedes TP said,
“I am in two minds about it. The sport is missing personalities. And his personality was clearly very controversial and that is good for the sport,” Wolff said. I said to Fred Vasseur that it needs the good, the bad, and the ugly. And it is now only the good and the ugly left. The bad is gone.”
“Would I consider that he could ever be an ally or someone that shares objectives? I don’t think so.But even when I had the biggest frustration, and anger with him, you need to remind yourself that even your worst enemy has a best friend, so there must be some goodness,” added Toto Wolff
Christian Horner reportedly led a consortium of investors and was set to buy Otro Capital’s 24% share in Alpine. But as per recent reports, Toto Wolff joined the bid to acquire that share.
Edited by Pranay Bhagi
