The FIA warns that teams attempting to exploit the new Formula 1 regulations for 2026 are putting themselves at risk. According to FIA chief Nikolas Tombazis, exploiting the new regulations would be akin to ‘suicide’ for teams that try this.
“We have chosen a different approach than in similar situations in the past,” Tombazis tells FormulaPassion. “First of all, we have made it clear to the teams that we will not tolerate anyone trying to exploit loopholes in the regulations that they have kept hidden from us. For every clarification requested by the teams, if we believe the question points to a grey area, we ensure that a clarification is sent to all teams,” he explains. “At this moment, our absolute priority is that the regulations are clear to everyone.”
Tombazis outlines a scenario where teams come up with creative solutions without prior communication with the FIA – something they will no longer accept. “If a team comes up with a solution based on a certain interpretation of the rules, without first asking for clarification, we will not entertain it. If someone develops a concept based on an ambiguous interpretation, it would be akin to suicide for that team. Of course, we can’t force teams to communicate with us, but I think it’s in their own interest if they do. If they build an entire car around a concept that is declared illegal, it will be a disaster for them.”
DAS as an Example
To emphasize his point, Tombazis refers to a well-known issue from recent F1 history: Mercedes’ Dual Axis System (DAS). The DAS system allowed drivers to pull or push the steering wheel to change the alignment of the front wheels. This kept the tires at a better temperature and reduced their wear. The innovative steering system caused a lot of controversy in 2020 and was ultimately banned before the 2021 season. “They only asked if it was legal after they had done it. They took a risk. We have ensured that we avoid a similar scenario in the future,” Tombazis emphasizes. “If teams do not confirm in advance whether something is within the rules, they run the risk that the FIA will ban it.”
