Toto Wolff – Drivers ‘relearning’ F1 as ‘gaming issue’ takes maintain

Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff feels there may be “a gaming factor” behind Formula 1’s new period that’s forcing the drivers to “relearn” the game.

The introduction of latest energy models, with a 50-50 cut up between combustion and electrical power, in tandem with 350kW of additional energy being derived from a battery now equipped solely by the MGU-Ok, made for a new-look F1 that was unveiled over the 5 days of the shakedown carried out at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on the finish of final month.

The drivers have been required to understand the calls for of a system that requires appreciable harvesting as soon as the ability from the battery has been deployed. During grands prix, it can primarily be used to assist overtaking.

There has even been speak of drivers needing to elevate and coast over a qualifying lap at sure circuits.

Addressing the matter of a distinct F1, talking to pick media, together with RacingNews365, Wolff stated: “It’s something you need to relearn in a way.

“It’s not nearly going full blast by each nook, on each straight, however it’s including this new technical dimension.

“Although it’s staying true to our values of the fastest cars in the world, with the best drivers in the world, there is also the energy management, and you have to end up playing around with energy management.

“It’s virtually like a gaming issue that we have now, however with out devaluing what Formula 1 stands for. It’s the following step that Formula 1 is making.”

Wolff dismisses world domination repeat

Many are predicting Mercedes to be comfortably away from its rivals when racing returns in Australia in early March, as was the case underneath the final main energy unit change forward of the 2014 season. On that event, the group went on to win eight consecutive constructors’ championships.

Wolff is satisfied that given the character of F1 as of late, notably with a price cap and aerodynamic testing laws in place, a repeat of such dominance is simply not attainable.

“As a team, if you look at it from a narrow perspective, you want world dominance, winning 24 races of 24, and making it the most successful campaign that any team has ever had,” stated Wolff. “But that’s not my perspective.

“I need to quote somebody who I respect quite a bit, and who as soon as stated to me, we want to win each championships within the final race, within the final nook, to have an thrilling season, to supply good leisure and pleasure for our followers and supporters.

“That’s a balance you need to strike, and we need to strike it right.

“The manner Formula 1 has developed is that almost all groups work with equal gear underneath the identical price cap, in order that’s why I simply do not see massive efficiency variations.

“Obviously, you look at a newcomer or a smaller team, yeah, there might be some challenges, but other than that, I think it will be much more balanced.”