The new Formula 1 cars for 2026 are already facing criticism before they’ve even hit the road, but FIA Sports Director Nikola Tombazis warns that many concerns are premature. “The product is not yet ready,” he says, referring to recent feedback from teams and drivers.
In an extensive interview with German Auto Motor und Sport, Tombazis explains that energy management will be one of the biggest challenges: “As the electric component of power increases relative to the combustion engine and the batteries have only limited charging and discharging capacity, energy management becomes a significant challenge. A large portion of the energy still comes from fuel, which must be sustainable.”
According to the Greek engineer (pictured above right, with Ferrari team boss Vasseur), innovations in electric drive and sustainable fuel use will be central. Tombazis says the rules are not yet final and will be adjusted incrementally based on team experiences and simulation feedback. “The more intensively the teams and engine manufacturers engage with the development and the more often the drivers test the 2026 cars in the simulator, the more feedback we get.”
He emphasizes that not all teams are equally transparent about their data, but the FIA has enough options to adjust in case of problems, for example with maximum power access or energy recovery.
Slower Cars
Tombazis also addresses concerns about the speed of the new cars: “I’m always surprised at how important this topic is to people. According to our simulations, the cars will be between one and two and a half seconds slower per lap. But that’s just the beginning. The teams will quickly further develop the cars.”
On energy management, he says: “We are working on a good mix. The intention is not for Formula 1 to turn into a chess game of the best energy strategies. The main task remains to brake at the right point, get through the corner as quickly as possible, and accelerate optimally.”
Equal Basic Rules
Tombazis further explains that engine manufacturers can catch up through extra development hours, but this does not affect the equal basic rules. The use of sustainable fuels is also strictly monitored by independent parties, ensuring production and composition meet the standards, without favoring any teams.
According to Tombazis, the current commentary and criticism of the 2026 cars are often premature: “Drivers in the simulator often don’t know what is being put on the road. That’s why we let them drive in the simulator early.”
The FIA expects many teething problems of the new generation of cars to be resolved in the run-up to the start of the 2026 season.
