Mar.24 (GMM) Formula E founder Alejandro Agag has pointed the finger at Toto Wolff and Mercedes for shaping Formula 1’s controversial 2026 regulations – and gaining an early advantage as a result.
He says Wolff began pushing for the current and highly controversial 50-50 combustion engine-electric split based on Mercedes’ involvement in the all-electric series.
“When Mercedes left (Formula E), it was because they wanted to copy what was happening in Formula E and transfer it to Formula 1,” Agag told Marca sports newspaper.
“The great inspirations for what is happening now in Formula 1 are Mercedes and Toto Wolff. He saw what was there and said: ‘I’m going to bring all this to Formula 1 and merge Formula 1 and Formula E.’
“Since the idea came to him, he has an advantage – and this shows in the difference he has compared to the others.”
Agag was blunt about his view of the current product.
“Now we’re halfway between the two – it’s neither one thing nor the other,” he said.
“I think it’s not good for Formula 1. It should go back to giving greater importance to the combustion engine, and let Formula E be the electric championship.”
The comments come as Mercedes dominates the early part of the 2026 season, while rivals struggle to adapt to the new energy-heavy formula.
As the 2026 rules were being drawn up, a solution to mitigate the effects was the front and rear active aerodynamics, and multiple ‘straight mode’ zones at each circuit to improve efficiency and boost overtaking.
Carlos Sainz, a GPDA director, described the system as “like a band-aid on a band-aid”.
“If you’re racing at 340 kmh with no downforce and open wings, sooner or later you’re going to have a major accident.
“I don’t like it.”
The FIA has already reduced the number of straight mode zones from four in China and five in Melbourne to just two at this weekend’s Japanese GP at Suzuka, amid apparent safety concerns at high-speed corners.
Despite the controversy, however, there are currently no major rule changes on the horizon.
“The second race has apparently also convinced the team principals,” reported Auto Motor und Sport.
“They met virtually after Shanghai to conduct an initial assessment of the new regulations. The conclusion was reportedly largely positive.
“As far as the races are concerned, there is currently no perceived need to make any hasty adjustments.”
The German magazine added: “According to consistent reports, all involved parties consider the races to have been high-quality and spectacular. Those in charge do not currently see any acute problems.”
Former driver Alex Wurz, now GPDA chairman, agrees that patience is required.
“It’s the way it is,” he told ORF. “We can’t change it tomorrow, we can only try to adapt to it.
“The teams will improve and the performance will be closer together.”
Wurz suggested one area for refinement could be qualifying, and it is understood tweaks to at least improve ‘lift and coast’ on a single hot lap are still possible in the short term.
“If we find an approach where real flat-out driving is rewarded, that would be better,” he said.
Even so, criticism remains fierce in some quarters.
Jos Verstappen, reacting on social media, dismissed claims the new rules are acceptable by responding to commentary by Dutch racing insider Allard Kalff.
“That means you don’t understand Formula 1 at all if you call it racing,” Max Verstappen’s father insisted.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES