Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, is wary of the potential consequences of implementing new regulations that could impede Red Bull’s remarkable performance.
His concern stems from a broader perspective on the sport’s entertainment value, as he believes that Formula 1 should avoid becoming overly predictable, akin to the scripted nature of WWE wrestling.
Currently, Red Bull finds themselves at the pinnacle of Formula 1 in what is being hailed as one of the sport’s greatest seasons. They have achieved an unprecedented feat, winning all 15 grand prix races in 2023, with Max Verstappen poised for a third consecutive championship.
In contrast to some who advocate for rule changes to level the playing field and allow other teams to catch up, Wolff’s stance underscores the delicate balance that Formula 1 must strike.
The sport must retain its element of unpredictability and competition while ensuring it doesn’t succumb to scripted outcomes, maintaining the excitement that fans have come to expect.
“As a team principal, I don’t want to jump on the bandwagon that others have done of saying ‘we need to change the regulations because we can’t continue with the dominance of a team’,” Wolff said.
“If a team dominates in the way Max has done with Red Bull? Fair dues. This is a meritocracy.
“As long as you comply with the regulations – technical, sporting and financial – you just need to say ‘well done’.
“It’s up to us to catch up. If that takes a long time, then it takes a long time.”
Wolff’s Mercedes were previously the top team in F1, as Lewis Hamilton won his joint-record seventh championship.
“I remember people crying foul, when it was us,” Wolff said.
“Entertainment follows the sport, not the other way around.
“You can’t be WWE, scripted content. We don’t want scripted content.”
