Toto Wolff has confirmed that discussions with the FIA, Formula 1 and rival manufacturers over a possible return to V8 engines are intensifying, with the Mercedes team principal backing a future concept featuring a much smaller electrical contribution and around 1,000bhp. Despite Mercedes thriving under the current 2026 power-unit regulations, Wolff describes himself as a “purist” and believes Formula 1 could ultimately benefit from returning to a more combustion-focused formula.
It might seem surprising that the leading figure at a team dominating under the new Formula 1 engine regulations is already advocating a different direction. Mercedes sits at the forefront of the championship thanks in part to a power unit that, FIA classification aside, has established itself as the current benchmark for its rivals. Yet Wolff is already looking towards the next regulatory cycle, potentially beginning in 2030 or 2031.
Toto Wolff backs Formula 1 return to V8 engines
Teams, the FIA and Formula 1 are already working together on possible concepts for the next generation of engines. Max Verstappen has also expressed support for a change of direction, with the possibility of a return to V8 power among the factors he cited after committing his long-term future to Red Bull. The Dutchman remains one of the central figures in Formula 1 as he prepares for his final home Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
The ideas being discussed would represent a significant shift away from the current power-unit philosophy. According to the indications that have emerged from those directly involved in the talks, Formula 1 could adopt V8 engines that still use electrical assistance, but at a substantially reduced level compared with the present hybrid era.
In practical terms, the concept could resemble a much more powerful version of KERS, the energy-recovery system used in Formula 1 between 2009 and 2013, bringing the turbo-hybrid era to an end.
“These engines at the moment are very complex and only now are we starting to understand them because they have revolutionised the way we race. Some people like them because there is a lot of overtaking in races, others don’t: the drivers who adapt the most win,” Toto Wolff told RacingNews365.
Future F1 V8 could use 80:20 power split and produce 1,000bhp
Wolff confirmed that the conversations now extend to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali and the other power-unit manufacturers.
“I’m talking with the FIA president, with Stefano Domenicali and with the other engine manufacturers,” Toto Wolff added. “In the medium to long term, we’re talking about a time horizon of three or four years, we will go back to internal-combustion engines. Ben Sulayem wants an eight-cylinder engine, which has a good sound, and a more compact battery.”
“I think the ratio between the power delivered by the internal-combustion engine and the battery would be around 80:20, with a total output of 1,000bhp. I don’t know whether it will be naturally aspirated or not, but I think this is the direction Formula 1 is taking at the moment and, as a purist, I like it.”
Wolff’s support for such a significant change comes while Mercedes remains highly competitive under the existing regulations. The Brackley team is also continuing to develop the W17, with Wolff having acknowledged that its rivals have moved earlier with upgrades even though Mercedes believes there is still significant potential in its package.
Wolff attacks F1 pre-start procedure: ‘It sounds like a fire alarm’
The Mercedes team principal also took aim at another distinctive feature of the current generation of Formula 1 cars: the pre-start procedure.
The system includes a five-second pre-start phase designed to allow drivers to prepare the turbo before the race begins, producing the prolonged engine revving heard on the grid.
“I can’t stand the cars revving on the starting grid for 10 seconds. It sounds like a fire alarm.”
The criticism is particularly striking given that Wolff had previously been among those pushing for the procedure as a way of limiting start-related problems linked to his team’s own design choices.
For now, the current regulations remain in place, and Mercedes continues to compete at the front while preparing further developments for the W17. But Wolff’s comments make clear that discussions over what comes next are already well advanced, with a combustion-heavy V8 formula, a smaller battery and a target of around 1,000bhp emerging as one possible direction for Formula 1 beyond the present technical cycle.
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