Aren’t the new Formula One powertrains coming in 2026 after all? How the world governing body (FIA) is reacting to current speculation in the paddock
One year before the start of the new Formula One era with a set of extensively revised regulations, some doubt whether the new rules can really be implemented in 2026. According to rumors, the introduction of the new engine format could therefore be delayed.
But as one of the driving forces behind the change, what is the position of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) on these rumors? “That’s a complicated answer,” says Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Director of Single Seater Racing.
“First of all – just to be clear – I don’t share the view and we don’t share the scaremongering regarding the 2026 regulations. There are certainly challenges. We have been working with the teams and drive system manufacturers to solve these challenges.”
“The new regulations are basically ready. There are just a few details that we still need to clarify,” says Tombazis. ‘However, I think that the 2026 cars will be closer together, will be able to fight each other more intensely, and that driving skills will be more in focus. So basically, I don’t believe in these scare stories.’
Tombazis speaks from experience: “I remember that there was similar scaremongering in the run-up to 2021 and 2022. They said the cars would be extremely slow and things like that.”
“I’m not saying that everything was perfect back then. In retrospect, we would have done some things differently, but I don’t think it was a disaster,” explains Tombazis.
With an eye on the 2026 regulations, he just wants to emphasize: “If we hadn’t changed the powertrain regulations, Formula One would have had only two powertrain manufacturers – Ferrari and Mercedes, and no one else. That’s easy to forget.”
Because Renault is withdrawing from Formula One as an engine manufacturer at the end of the 2025 season and will only be represented by its Alpine team in the future – as a Mercedes customer. Audi, Ford (in collaboration with Red Bull) and Honda are new in 2026 as powertrain suppliers.
“We simply tried to find a regulation that attracts new manufacturers, maintains the challenges and retains the hybrid share,” says Tombazis. ‘So I’m optimistic that what’s coming in 2026 will be good.’
