FIA respond to 'fears' over new 2026 F1 regulations

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has allayed fears and criticism surrounding the new 2026 F1 regulations.

Motorsport's world governing body unveiled the new rules on Thursday, announcing on paper what they have described as a more 'nimble' car, compared to the current machinery, that will utilise active aero and be equipped with a new power unit.

The early response, however, particularly from the team principals and some drivers has not been favourable, with concerns aired over the fact the cars will be slow, particularly through the corners due to a significant reduction in downforce.

Williams team principal James Vowles went so far as to suggest the 2026 F1 cars may only be a few seconds quicker than those in F2.

In response, Tombazis said: "I think the fears are accurate because people are taking a snapshot of what the regulations are now on a piece of paper, and are making comments on the basis of what they see. So I don't have any concern about these issues raised by people.

"Clearly, we have full expectation to make some steps up in performance, and that's exactly why we set the bar reasonably low to start with, so we can build up on that in collaboration with the teams."

Tombazis added: "To increase the downforce on these cars is actually quite easy, if you have the regulatory freedom, and that's exactly the step we want to take.

"So I understand the comments. I don't think there is any concern these cars will be not faster than F2, or anything like that. That will be 100 percent resolved in the final legs."

Tombazis confirmed that the regulations as they stand at the moment will be presented to the World Motor Sport Council on Tuesday, with the expectation they will then be approved by the end of the month.

Over a short period of time, however, Tombazis has stated that in consultation with the teams, "refinements still need to take place".

He added: "Let's say the end of the month, when these regulations will hopefully be published, and the start of 2025, when teams can start aerodynamic development - because they cannot start earlier - we do expect a reasonable amount of extra work to be done."

The final draft of the regulations will then be signed off by the WMSC in December.