Wolff confident F1 will "get it right" with new engine rules

A meeting last week involving the FIA, Ross Brawn and the manufacturers was the formal start of the process, with a focus on costs, the sound and keeping a hybrid element among the main conclusions.

"It was a very positive meeting," Wolff told Motorsport.com. "There was no controversy, but rather productive brain storming.

"And the outcome was positive for the sport, because we all share a view of what the engine format should be going forward from 2021."

Wolff says Mercedes has no qualms about abandoning the current format, with which it has already enjoyed so much success.

"As long as we have long-term visibility of what's happening, that's OK for us," he added.

"We need to protect the investment, so we need to look at the cost of development, we need to look at the cost of supply. Hybrid is important, maybe less sophistication, which put the barriers for independent manufacturers down.

"The quality of the sound is important. We need to learn the lessons, and I think we're going to come up with a great power unit."

Aside from the four current manufacturers, Audi (via Stefano Domenicali) and the Fiat Group (independently of Ferrari) were also represented.

Wolff said he was worried about Audi helping to steer the rules, and yet not actually following up with an entry.

"I think it's important to hear other people's opinions, that are not involved in F1, in order just to double check on our thoughts," he said.

"And there was some very good input from manufacturers not involved in the sport, as well as independents like Mario Illien, so it was a good meeting. I'd like to have them all in the sport."