Formula 1 has entered a delicate phase: three races into the season, a controversial high-speed incident, divided driver opinions, and a set of regulations that appears to have triggered more tension than expected. Amid all the noise, however, one key figure is calling for composure. Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Head of Single-Seater Technical Matters and a central figure behind the 2026 regulations since their earliest drafts, is observing the situation with clarity. His message is straightforward: the situation is neither perfect nor disastrous, but it requires targeted interventions rather than sweeping revolutions.
A regulation under pressure, but no alarm bells
Tombazis does not downplay the existing issues, yet he firmly rejects the alarmist narrative that has dominated discussions in the paddock:
“We are not talking about a complete rewrite,” he stated.
He then used a striking analogy to summarise his thinking:
“The patient is not in intensive care; he just needs to eat a couple of apples a day, not undergo open-heart surgery.”
The criticism from drivers does not come as a surprise to him. Those driving competitive cars, like George Russell or Kimi Antonelli, tend to see the new system as a manageable challenge. Others, like Norris, consider it a limitation to driving performance. Max Verstappen has even gone as far as suggesting he could leave Formula 1. Nikolas Tombazis remains unfazed:
“When you are the referee, you get criticised. We are mature enough to understand that.”
The high-speed crash involving Oliver Bearman at Suzuka, however, has forced a deeper reflection. Differences in approach speeds had already been identified as a potential risk, but time was needed to properly analyse the data.
“Every high-speed accident is a shock. Acting too quickly can make the situation worse,” he explained.
Safety remains the top priority, but without impulsive decisions.
Quick fixes, software tweaks and a balance to be found
Discussions between the FIA, teams, and power unit manufacturers are already underway. The objective is clear: intervene without disrupting the core structure of the regulations.
There will be no changes to engine hardware, but adjustments will be made to energy recovery and deployment parameters—the core of the current issue:
“These are energy management rules. They do not require hardware modifications, but they can involve changes to settings and software,” Nikolas Tombazis explained.
The complexity of the new power units is part of the challenge itself:
“You can theoretically learn how to play the violin, but until you actually play it, you do not fully understand what it involves,” he said, referring to the learning curve faced by teams.
The April meetings — first technical discussions, then sessions involving the drivers, and finally the team principals — will serve to define the measures that could already be introduced for Miami. A two-phase revision is also being considered, with a second, broader set of changes potentially granted to manufacturers at a later stage.
Formula 1 is currently walking a fine line: improving drivability, ensuring safety, maintaining the spectacle, and avoiding the distortion of regulations that were designed to evolve over time.
The debate is intense, opinions remain divided, and the pressure is extremely high. Yet Nikolas Tombazis is convinced that Formula 1 will find its balance.
“Everyone has a great passion for this sport. Reactions are strong, but now I hope for broad consensus,” he concluded.
The upcoming changes may not satisfy everyone, but the objective is clear: fix what is not working without tearing down what still has the potential to grow. Even though the season has only just begun, Formula 1 has already understood one thing: 2026 will be a year of adaptation, not surrender.
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