Austrian motorsport executive, investor and former racing driver Toto Wolff, currently the Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes F1 team, agreed with Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto regarding the fact that the MGU-H should be dropped from future engine regulations – but only as part of a compromise. Formula 1 is ready for its era-defining regulation changes to come in at the conclusion of this season, but at the same time focus is also on the new generation of engines which will be used starting with 2025 or most likely 2026, as specific details surrounding these new power units have not been completely agreed upon.
Discussions between spokespeople for each of the current suppliers – Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault – as well as representatives from the Volkswagen group have been ongoing in the last weeks. Honda, who are supplying the engine for Mercedes’ title rivals Red Bull, have also been involved in the talks despite the fact that they are set to leave Formula 1 after the current season is over. The teams are currently trying to find a way to reduce costs without devaluing the capital already invested in engines, as the suppliers are all in agreement that the current power units are too expensive.
Mercedes’ Toto Wolff confirmed talks took place during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, and pointed out the current state of play regarding the MGU-H.
“The MGU-H is going to be dropped if we can find alignment of many other points. I think it is a compromise that at least… I cannot speak for anybody else but for Mercedes, we are prepared to enter in order to facilitate the entry of the Volkswagen group but there are several other topics where compromise needs to be found. If a compromise cannot be found, we will probably revert to the governance and have 2026 regulations that the FIA and FOM come up with.” – he explained.
Scuderia Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto confirmed there have been plenty of informal conversations since the last official meeting in Austria and also hinted that all teams are in agreement regarding the motor generator unit.
“A lot of discussions have happened since the last meeting in Austria, the next steps in defining the future of the power unit. So far the discussions have been positive, all of the manufacturers agreeing to remove the MGU-H, and we are in agreement with that. There are a lot of details still to be discussed and agreed but generally speaking the discussion is positively on moving.” – the Ferrari boss added.
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