“It’s not a revolution”: The FIA tempers expectations following the 2026 changes

Following the announcement of changes to the 2026 regulations, the FIA was keen to calm the situation. Yes, adjustments have been made. But no, Formula 1 isn't going to change overnight.

In a paddock where expectations were high—sometimes even a little too high?—the FIA quickly set the record straight. “These changes will not fundamentally alter what you see.”

The message, from Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's technical director, is clear: don't expect a dramatic transformation starting in Miami. The approved adjustments are more about fine-tuning than a total overhaul.

In other words: we're refining, we're correcting… but we're not rewriting the script.

Targeted corrections, visible mainly to insiders

Essentially, the changes focus on clearly identified areas: energy management, superclipping, and safety at the start. These are technical issues, sometimes complex, but central to the criticisms raised at the start of the season.

On the track, the effects will be very real… but not necessarily obvious to the general public. “Qualifying will be more full-throttle. Maybe that will show up in the onboard cameras or in the sound.”

In other words, you'll need a keen eye—and a keen ear—to fully grasp the difference.

F1 is evolving… by nature

The FIA also emphasizes a point often overlooked: Formula 1 is a living organism. “The regulations evolve by nature.”

With more than 3,000 engineers at work across the teams and engine manufacturers, it would be unrealistic to think that a regulation remains static. Every detail is analyzed, exploited, optimized. And sooner or later… corrected.

Beyond the content of the changes, it is also the method that is being highlighted.

The discussions were deemed constructive, with a unanimous vote from the teams and engine manufacturers. The drivers, too, were more involved in the process—a point regularly called for in recent years. “They felt involved.”

A rare consensus in Formula 1, and significant enough to be highlighted.

A technical balance that remains delicate

From a purely technical standpoint, these adjustments remain a compromise.

Mercedes reserve driver Anthony Davidson, after spending a long time on the simulator, sums up the situation well: reducing energy recovery allows drivers to push harder… but at the cost of slightly lower overall performance.

An accepted paradox. “Slower lap times, but drivers pushing harder.”

A philosophy that brings F1 closer to categories like F2 or F3, where commitment takes precedence over management.

Less management, more predictability?

One of the expected effects is a reduction in “clipping” phases—those moments when power gradually drops.

With increased power output, these phases should become shorter—and less detrimental to the spectacle. “This will discourage drivers from lifting off.” On paper, the intention is clear: to make driving more natural, more instinctive.

One major unknown remains: the impact on the race.

For while qualifying should become easier to follow, the question of overtaking remains. Doubt persists, and it is legitimate. Because in Formula 1, every adjustment can have unexpected effects…