Wolff still fiercely against 'Balance of performance' rule

In 2020, a number of rule changes were made to level the playing field and reduce the performance gap between the ten teams. Mercedes was very much against this, while other teams were very much in favour. That's why the rules were implemented, which means among other things that engine development will be halted after this season.

For Mercedes, this decision was a big disappointment since it allows competitor Red Bull Racing to take over Honda's engines. The 'Balance of Performance' rule and the sprint races with a reversed grid were also introduced to level the playing field. Toto Wolff is still disappointed that these rules were adopted.

Not fooling the viewers

"Even if I had been team principal at Williams, I would have voted against that balance of performance and the reverse grid," Wolff acknowledged in a conversation with The Race. "I don't want any presents. I think it should be a fair competition where the best driver wins. It's always been that way, the best driver and the best team wins."

"Yes we provide entertainment, that's true. But that entertainment is there because our viewers know it is a real competition they are watching. It's not manipulated to get more change. I think we have to stick to those values". Wolff suspects the FIA is introducing rules to stop Mercedes' dominance. "There are clear actions against the team with the sole purpose of hurting us, but we always fight back", Wolff concluded.