With the new Formula 1 season under the technical rules of 2026 halfway through, the stage is set to take stock of the first months. The rules of 2026, which place considerable importance on electric power, have generated an intense debate both inside and outside the paddock.
According to the organization, the results of fan surveys have been largely positive, but the drivers have expressed strong criticisms. Max Verstappen has described the new regulations of the power systems as ‘Formula E on steroids,’ while Oscar Piastri has commented on the ‘self-learning elements’ of the power units and how qualifying grids are decided by machine orders.
The FIA’s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, stated that they were not surprised by the complaints of the drivers, as they are demanding clients by nature. However, he acknowledged that the governance system made it difficult to take action through significant changes.
Tombazis expressed his disappointment that adjustments could not be made before the regulations, which were not implemented until May. He stated that concerns about the new engine regulations had been known since 2022, but that as the season approached, it was too late to modify them, and there was not enough consensus to make changes.
The strict governance rules have hindered the FIA from making necessary adjustments in the years leading up to the new regulation, and the signed document imposed limitations on this organization’s ability to modify the rules without the support of various engine manufacturers.
Despite these controversies, Tombazis emphasized that the races have been exciting during the first part of the season, with a good level of competition, despite the limitations detected on energy-demanding circuits such as Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
In summary, the FIA finds itself at a moment of reflection and adaptation as the world of Formula 1 navigates towards a future that promises to be neonatally electrified and balanced, but which requires a robust consensus among all actors involved to ensure the success of this change.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_7618d7ccb8d7f7a1cb8f8b2edafd3840a5ba9f59