Wolff Clarifies 400 km/h Claim for 2026 F1 Cars as Theoretical Peak

Overview

• Toto Wolff reiterated on the Beyond The Grid podcast that 2026 cars could touch 400 km/h only in a theoretical scenario using all available power at once.
• Mercedes HPP chief Hywel Thomas said start‑of‑straight acceleration should be especially strong but cars will derate earlier because of limited electrical energy.
• Under the 2026 rules, power units move to an almost 50:50 split between combustion and electric power with reduced downforce, lower drag and active aerodynamics.
• Wolff acknowledged his headline number also served to give the next‑gen engine concept a marketing boost after skepticism.
• Coverage emphasizes the 400 km/h figure as a ceiling rather than an expected race speed with no assurance it will appear on speed traps.