After a spectacular Miami Grand Prix, Toto Wolff did not mince his words towards the detractors of the 2026 F1 version.
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The head of the Mercedes team, Toto Wolff, was keen to firmly defend the discipline after an eventful and action-packed Miami Grand Prix. While criticisms of the 2026 cars persist, the Austrian believes some voices should simply be more discreet.
“If there is one person complaining about the race today, I think they should hide, honestly” he says bluntly.
For Wolff, the spectacle offered in Florida is enough to silence doubts. Despite a sometimes criticized start to the season, this race demonstrated that Formula 1 can still offer intense and unpredictable battles.
A convincing show in Miami
The race indeed offered a tough battle at the start, with several teams involved in the fight for the lead. Before Kimi Antonelli finally pulled away to claim an impressive third consecutive victory.
Wolff emphasizes the importance of this type of race for the image of the discipline: “There are good and bad shows, and this was a very good showcase for Formula 1” he explains.
He acknowledges, however, that certain characteristics of the circuit favored the spectacle, notably an energy management less demanding than on other tracks, a point often criticized with the current regulations.
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McLaren and Red Bull under scrutiny
While Mercedes shone on Sunday, the competition did not remain inactive. McLaren, in particular, showed very encouraging signs throughout the weekend, confirming its rise in strength.
“The McLarens have made a big step forward, highlights Wolff. And Red Bull was extremely fast in qualifying.”
The Austrian nevertheless points out some less effective strategic choices by their rivals, which prevented them from fully realizing their potential in the race.
A season that is just beginning
Despite the victory, Wolff refuses any form of relaxation. He reminds that the hierarchy remains fragile and that the 2026 F1 season promises to be a real development race.
“We are still ahead, but nothing is guaranteed, he warns. It’s a constant battle, and we must continue to progress.”
The focus is already on the rest of the 2026 F1 calendar, notably the Canadian round in sight. Every technical development could reshuffle the cards in a championship that promises to be more open than ever.
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