The Mercedes team principal has made it clear that he intends to closely monitor any regulatory intervention from the FIA regarding power unit development, particularly in relation to the so-called ADUO framework.
What the Mercedes team principal said
After more than a month away from racing action, Formula 1 returns this weekend in Miami. It marks the first race under new countermeasures introduced to reduce the riskier dynamics that occur when cars enter energy recovery phases, and to help drivers avoid excessive lift and coast strategies during qualifying laps.
From a power unit perspective, aside from these new operational regulations, nothing else will change for now. FIA decisions regarding the first ADUO intervention are expected at the beginning of June. Only at that point will the teams benefiting from ADUO be able to take advantage of these concessions to further improve their power units.
Toto Wolff did not hide his intention to carefully scrutinize FIA decisions related to ADUO. Speaking in an interview with Autosprint, he said:
“Are we afraid of an autumn spent defending ourselves because of rivals overtaking us? Fear is not part of our vocabulary, but vigilance is absolute. We read the nuances of this regulation with the attention of scholars. Through data, our analysts are able to decode the secrets of rival power with frightening precision. The FIA holds the same truths as us, and I expect them to defend the honor of the sport by preventing anyone from finding shortcuts and making gains. ADUO is a lifeline for those who are struggling, not an elevator to steal the top spot.”
Why Toto Wolff has taken such a firm stance
Why did Wolff choose to be so strict ahead of the first adjustment phase of ADUO? As highlighted by journalist Carlo Platella, Ferrari has opted for a smaller turbo design, deliberately sacrificing peak power in favor of better torque delivery under acceleration, which they consider more effective in overall lap time performance.
In Ferrari’s case, the SF-26 also features a rear flap positioned behind the exhaust outlet for aerodynamic reasons. However, this design partially restricts the free flow of exhaust gases, leading to an additional loss of engine power.
With the regulatory formula applied by the FIA, ADUO could therefore create additional development opportunities not only for underperforming power units, but also for engines that have intentionally sacrificed maximum power in favor of other performance characteristics.
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