Tombazis and the changing Formula 1: protection or revolution?
Nikolas Tombazis is the man currently responsible for shaping Formula 1’s technical architecture. The ADUO system, the rebalancing between electrical and thermal power, and the future engine regulations for 2027 and 2028 all pass through his hands. While the paddock continues to debate, criticise and interpret the FIA’s decisions, Tombazis remains committed to a broader vision of a Formula 1 that aims not only to address present challenges but also to safeguard the future of the sport.
The pressure of recent months and the origins of ADUO
Tombazis does not hide how intense recent months have been, but he approaches the situation with the calm of someone who has experienced many difficult periods throughout his career.
“It has been quite intense, but I’ve lived through many intense periods during my career… it’s part of the game,” he explained.
That perspective helps explain the origins of ADUO. According to Tombazis, the system was not created as a regulatory experiment or a political compromise, but rather as a safeguard against the possibility of one manufacturer establishing an overwhelming and unchallenged advantage.
The FIA technical chief explained that the initial objective was to prevent new engine manufacturers from entering Formula 1 only to find themselves trapped in an impossible performance deficit.
With the budget cap now in place, the risks are greater than ever: “If you started at a disadvantage, you could almost be condemned to permanent misery,” he said.
The statement highlights what Tombazis considers one of the biggest threats to Formula 1’s future: losing new manufacturers before they have a genuine opportunity to become competitive. That concern ultimately led to the creation of a mechanism designed to help those who fall behind recover performance without turning Formula 1 into a disguised Balance of Performance championship.
Why ADUO measures only the combustion engine
Tombazis also addressed one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the ADUO system. Contrary to popular belief, ADUO does not evaluate the entire power unit. Instead, it focuses exclusively on the internal combustion engine.
The reasoning dates back to discussions held in 2021. At the time, many believed that the electrical side of the power unit would become Formula 1’s primary technological battleground, while combustion technology would remain relatively stable.
As a result, ADUO concentrates on the internal combustion engine, which is viewed as the area where manufacturers can recover performance without fundamentally altering the technical identity of the sport.
The measurement process itself is considerably more sophisticated than many assume. Tombazis explained that power output is calculated using a torque sensor positioned between the engine and gearbox, allowing engineers to isolate the contribution of the combustion engine from the electrical system.
The FIA does not simply measure peak horsepower. Instead, it analyses the power produced throughout all sections of a circuit where the driver is at full throttle, assigning greater importance to areas where power has the greatest impact on lap time: “If you can have 10 more horsepower, you want it at the beginning of the straight,” Nikolas Tombazis noted.
The final figure is based on a weighted average collected over representative laps, while filtering out factors like Safety Car periods, traffic and other anomalies. The philosophy may be straightforward, but the execution is highly complex.
2026–2028 regulations: what works and what still needs improvement
Tombazis rejects the more dramatic criticisms directed at the 2026 regulations. He does not describe the rules as flawed but acknowledges that adjustments will be necessary as Formula 1 continues to evolve.
He pointed out that, with the exception of Monaco, the championship has already produced several highly entertaining races despite Mercedes’ current dominance.
“We have had five races that were all very spectacular,” he said.
According to Nikolas Tombazis, competitive convergence will eventually arrive, and when it does, the racing should become even closer. However, he openly admits that certain issues have been known for quite some time. Electrical energy management, unusual qualifying scenarios and safety concerns highlighted by Oliver Bearman’s accident are all areas that the FIA has been studying for approximately eighteen months rather than reacting to only recently.
A glimpse into Formula 1’s future
Looking further ahead, Tombazis revealed that discussions continue regarding a potential return to hybrid V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels and designed with significantly lower operating costs.
The objective is clear: lighter, more exciting and more affordable Formula 1 cars.
“We believe we could have cars weighing less than 700 kilograms,” he stated.
It may sound like a quiet technical evolution, but in reality it would represent one of the most significant transformations Formula 1 has seen in decades. For Tombazis, protecting the future of the sport does not simply mean preserving what already exists. It means creating the conditions for the next generation of Formula 1 to thrive.
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