Why Toto Wolff thinks F1 2026 critics "should hide" after "spectacular" Miami GP

TL;DR

Toto Wolff defended the 2026 F1 regulations after the Miami GP, stating critics should 'hide' following a successful race. The new rules introduced lighter cars with hybrid engines, leading to a more engaging racing experience.

Key points

Toto Wolff supports the 2026 F1 regulations
Critics of the new rules were challenged after the Miami GP
New regulations feature smaller, lighter cars
Cars are powered by hybrid engines with balanced power sources
Successful race led to positive feedback on the changes

Mentioned in this story

Mercedes

Miami Grand Prix

Motorsport photo

Formula 1 rolled out drastic regulation changes in 2026, which initially sparked a mixed response among drivers and fans. But now, after implementing tweaks to the new rules at the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes that anyone caught complaining about the racing “should hide”.

The new regulations brought smaller, lighter cars to the track, which are now powered by hybrid engines that rely on a near-50:50 split in electric and combustion power. It's this change to the power units that drew the most fervour as it led to an increase in lifting and coasting, and super clipping to ensure drivers had sufficient battery power to complete each lap.

Read Also:

Question of the week: Will the Miami tweaks reshape F1 – or change very little?

Changes were rolled out in Miami following meetings with F1, the FIA and various stakeholders, and Wolff believes the changes were positive come Sunday.

“If there's one single person that complains about the race today, I think they should hide, honestly,” the Mercedes boss told reporters after the Miami GP.

“Now, obviously this track is a little bit easier, it's not so energy stuffed. There's good games and there's bad games, so I think that was great, great advertising for Formula 1.”

Ahead of the race, the FIA implemented changes to attempt to appease some complaints about the new regulations, including claims that most overtakes in 2026 were “artificial” and that drivers could no longer push flat out.

Q&A

What changes were made to F1 regulations in 2026?

The 2026 F1 regulations introduced smaller, lighter cars powered by hybrid engines with a near-50:50 split between electric and combustion power.

Why did Toto Wolff say critics of F1 2026 should 'hide'?

Toto Wolff made the remark after the Miami GP, suggesting that the successful implementation of the new regulations proved the critics wrong.

How did the new F1 regulations affect racing at the Miami GP?

The new regulations led to increased lifting and coasting, as well as super clipping, allowing drivers to manage battery power effectively during the race.

What was the reaction of drivers and fans to the 2026 F1 regulations?

The initial response to the 2026 regulations was mixed, but the successful Miami GP has shifted some opinions positively.