FIA open to further 'tweaks' to F1 power unit regulations

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has not ruled out further refinement to the F1 power unit regulations set to be introduced in 2026.

The 56-year-old expressed confidence in collaboration between the different engine manufacturers "if there are some tweaks needed" to the rules.

Because the power unit regulations for the next era of F1 have already been agreed - which they have been for some time - any required changes cannot be actioned by just the FIA, as Tombazis points out.

There have been some calls for the power unit rules to get a second look, with concerns that the underpowered engines from 2026 onwards are necessitating overly complex chassis and aerodynamic regulations to compensate the loss of top speed.

"Well, there's a slightly different position in terms of governance in the power unit because we are already under governance agreement in relation to the power unit regulations, which means that any tweaks that may be necessary will still need to be agreed with the power unit manufacturers and cannot be done, let's say, unilaterally," Tombazis told media including RacingNews365 when asked if there was potential for further changes. 

"But because there's, generally speaking, a very good spirit of collaboration, if there are some tweaks needed, I'm quite confident that PU manufacturers would help and be collaborative here."

Tombazis 'proud' of increased power unit suppliers

Opinion is divided on the new chassis regulations, but some high-profile figures in F1 have voiced support for the FIA and FOM (Formula One Management), with Red Bull team principl Christian Horner saying there should be "trust" in them, but also reiterating that retaining "freedom" is key.

With the power unit rules having to be decided upon early, to allow manufacturers enough time to develop, it is now having a knock-on effect on the rest of the 2026 regulations, which are due to be initially approved by the World Motor Sport Council at the end of June, with the full set of rules signed off at the end of the year.

Tombazis, however, was keen to highlight that the power unit direction has led to an increase in the number of manufacturers competing in F1 from 2026 - when the number will rise from four to six - even if there are things he would change with hindsight.

Asked if there was anything he and the FIA would have done differently, he replied: "I think there are very few things in my life I would have not changed in one way or another if I had more time. 

"So, yes, there are things we would have had more time to discuss. As always, you have to act against time and so on. Would it have been drastically different to where we have it? I don't think so. 

"I think we have to stress the fact that we have much bigger participation of PU manufacturers than before. And I think that's something to be proud of."