Just three races have been enough to trigger deep reflection on the new technical direction of Formula 1. After all, the 2026 regulations have only just come into force, and the FIA has already introduced an initial package of corrections set to debut in Miami, while also making it clear that the revision process is far from over.
The words of Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single-seater director, describe a category still searching for the right balance between innovation, spectacle, and technical sustainability. And within this context, a significant admission emerges: the push towards such a strong electric component may have gone further than necessary.
Tombazis’ admission: “Electric potential may have been overestimated”
Presenting the interventions decided after the first races of the season, Tombazis explained that some of the issues were already known beforehand.
“We intended to carry out a review of the new regulations after a few races,” said the former Ferrari engineer during a meeting with selected media, including ScuderiaFans.com, clarifying that discussions with teams, manufacturers, and drivers were already part of the FIA’s plan. Not an improvised reaction, therefore, but a scheduled review phase.
“We have known for years that having such a relationship between the internal combustion engine and the electric component would bring some challenges.”
The reference is clearly to the philosophy of the new power units, built on a much more balanced split between combustion and electric power.
This was supposed to represent the future of Formula 1, but today it is being viewed with greater caution. And Tombazis admitted it without hesitation:
“There was strong direction from several stakeholders towards much more electric component, and in my opinion, perhaps this potential of electrification was overestimated, pushing towards a 50-50 split.”
In other words, even within the FIA there is growing awareness of the limitations that have already appeared on track in the early part of the season.
One of the main issues concerns energy management, especially in qualifying. It is no coincidence that the first regulatory intervention will target exactly this area.
“We wanted drivers to be able to push more in qualifying and not have to think about energy and everything else,” explained Tombazis.
The update planned for Miami will therefore reduce the complexity of battery energy management on a single flying lap, with the aim of making qualifying more natural and easier to understand for fans.
Regulation changes: Miami is only the first step
The FIA considers the Miami package only the first step in a wider process.
“We consider this package an evolution, not a revolution,” Tombazis revealed, adding that the revision process will continue well beyond the next Grand Prix.
“It does not mean we are finished and can all go on holiday. We will continue to monitor and listen to feedback from teams and drivers to see if further measures are needed.”
A clear message: the 2026 regulations remain open to adjustments.
The timeline is also already defined.
“We told teams and manufacturers that after Miami we will carry out a small review of the situation. We will look at the positive aspects and, hopefully not, the negative ones as well, remaining open to further action.”
The FIA has therefore deliberately left room for intervention in case additional imbalances emerge in the early races of the new technical era.
Tombazis: “Simpler engines in the future? Everything is possible”
While the present is still settling, attention is already turning to the future. Tombazis confirmed that discussions are already taking place regarding the next set of regulations.
“Every new engine regulation requires several years of preparation. If we want to change something in the future, we need to start talking about it now.”
For this reason, the topic of future power units is already on the table, including the possibility of less complex engines more closely aligned with the internal combustion unit, still running on sustainable fuels.
When asked about a potential return to simpler solutions, the answer was very clear:
“At the moment, everything is on the table. Yes, everything is possible.”
Of course, any future shift would require the agreement of the manufacturers.
“If it ever happens, it would only be with the consent of the manufacturers. It is not something the FIA can introduce on its own,” Tombazis clarified, highlighting the political and economic influence of engine suppliers within the championship.
What emerges after just three races of the 2026 season is therefore very clear: Formula 1 does not see its new regulatory framework as untouchable.
If something does not work, it will be changed. If further adjustments are needed, they will come. And if the future requires another shift in engine philosophy, the discussion has already begun.
Leave a Reply