Toto Wolff claims ‘90%’ of Formula 1 fans like the 2026 regulations despite Mercedes dominance

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed that an overwhelming majority of Formula 1 fans like the new regulations, despite recent criticism from drivers and his team’s start to the season.

Many people backed Mercedes as the clear favourite for the 2026 championship, with rumours suggesting that they had the best power unit. There was huge scepticism around the new ruleset, particularly with energy management and reliability.

The 2026 F1 regulations have certainly produced some exciting racing thus far, with many more overtakes compared to 2025. However, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc think the overtakes are ‘artificial’ due to drivers preserving the battery during races.

Max Verstappen has bashed the new regulations since they were first introduced. He is not happy with the rule changes, saying it is not pure racing as Red Bull struggle to get two cars to the chequered flag.

F1 fans and experts are still sceptical about the regulations as the sport heads to the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. But Mercedes boss Wolff believes that most people are in favour of them.

Toto Wolff says ‘90%’ of fans like the 2026 regulation changes

As anticipated, the Silver Arrows have been the dominant force in 2026. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have commanded the opening two races, winning in Australia and China, respectively, with 1-2 finishes.

Ferrari factory staff have already given up on 2026 amid Mercedes’ dominance, with the data showing that Wolff’s team have a clear advantage. There are multiple sceptics surrounding the rule changes, but the Austrian is adamant that it is the right direction.

Speaking to oe24, Wolff boldly claimed that as many as ‘90%’ of F1 fans like the regulations, whilst also stressing that the opinions of ‘traditionalists’ should be respected.

“Not everyone’s complaining, but some drivers are having problems with the complex electronic management,” he said. “The main target group, however, is the fans, and over 90 percent of them think we now have entertaining racing: entertaining and exciting.

“In sports, you always have to evolve. You should respect both sides: the opinions of the traditionalists who want the sport to stay the way it used to be, and those of the new fans who say: ‘We actually like it the way it is now, and that’s how it should stay.’

“We have to evaluate what’s best for F1 and its fans. At the moment, we see a clear direction.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 CEO and team principal Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff is not worried about F1 getting ‘boring’ amid Mercedes’ start to 2026

Many teams and drivers are calling for changes to the current ruleset, but the FIA are not set to make any changes until 2027. As Mercedes dominate the field, Wolff is not worried about F1 becoming predictable.

“The first two races paint a completely different picture,” he added. “I’m not worried that it could get boring. We have good pace, but so does Ferrari.

“McLaren will catch up, and the others will quickly learn about engine management. We’re seeing extremely exciting and spectacular racing not only at the front between us and Ferrari, but also in the midfield with the most overtaking manoeuvres.

“What we might still be able to refine is the qualifying format, where we should reduce the energy management a bit. That’s something we’re working on.”