FIA Open to Adjusting 2026 F1 Rules Amid Driver Concerns

The FIA is prepared to make adjustments to Formula 1's radical 2026 technical regulations in response to driver feedback, with single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis stating the governing body is "fully open" to fine-tuning the new rules. This comes after pre-season testing revealed significant challenges with the next-generation cars, which feature a 50/50 power split and the removal of the MGU-H, leading to concerns over drivability and energy management.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents one of the most dramatic technical overhauls in F1's modern era, designed to attract new manufacturers and align with sustainability goals. How the FIA balances these long-term objectives with the immediate need for raceable, exciting cars will define the sport's competitive landscape for years to come. Driver pushback, particularly from high-profile stars like Max Verstappen, adds significant pressure to get the formula right before the rules are locked in.

The details:

• Driver Feedback: Max Verstappen has been a vocal critic, comparing the 2026 cars to "Formula E on steroids" and expressing concerns over the heavy reliance on electric power deployment. George Russell has highlighted specific issues with race starts due to the new power unit characteristics.
• On-Track Behavior: Testing in Barcelona and Bahrain showed drivers having to adapt their style dramatically, including aggressive lift-and-coast maneuvers to preserve battery charge and sharp downshifts in slow corners to regenerate energy.
• Governing Body's Stance: Nikolas Tombazis acknowledges the concerns but emphasizes the sport must consider all stakeholders, including the major manufacturers (Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, Cadillac) whose commitment is tied to the new power unit formula.
• A Work in Progress: Tombazis noted that feedback from actual on-track running is already more positive than early simulator sessions, but conceded that "adjustments" are likely. He estimates 90% of the work to create a reasonable package is done, with fine-tuning remaining.

What's next:

The FIA is actively gathering data and feedback from drivers, teams, and power unit manufacturers. Any rule changes must go through the formal governance process, preventing immediate alterations. The coming months will be crucial for the FIA to analyze performance data and decide on potential tweaks to areas like energy deployment or power unit software to improve drivability, ensuring the 2026 cars deliver both technical innovation and compelling racing.