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FIA defends 2026 Formula 1 regulation as drivers demand changes
The FIA acknowledged that many of the issues raised about the 2026 technical regulations – which increase the electric share of power‑units – were foreseen years before the season started. Director of single‑seaters Nikolas Tombazis explained that the governance system requires the agreement of the FIA, FOM and at least four of the five engine manufacturers before any rule change can be applied, which limited the body’s ability to intervene earlier.
Top drivers have repeatedly criticised the new package. Max Verstappen called it “Formula E on steroids”, while Lando Norris said the rules are driven more by commercial interests than sporting ones. Carlos Sainz warned that the current adjustments for 2027‑2028, which will shift the power split toward roughly 60 % electric, are only a stop‑gap and do not address deeper problems. The FIA maintains that the driver criticism was expected and that the planned 2027‑2028 changes are the best that can be achieved under the existing governance structure.
The debate highlights a tension between the sport’s push for sustainability and the desire of teams and drivers for a more balanced, driver‑focused competition.
Entities
Carlos Sainz · David Coulthard · FIA · Fernando Alonso · Formula 1 · Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) · Lando Norris · Max Verstappen · Nikolas Tombazis · Oscar Piastri · Williams
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mercedes won the first six races of the 2026 season. tnonline.uol.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Drivers have criticised the 2026 regulations for being driven by commercial interests rather than sporting considerations. www.caranddriver.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] The 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations increase the proportion of electric power in the power‑unit. www.caranddriver.com · fr.motorsport.com · nl.motorsport.com · www.autoblog.nl · autoracer.it · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Carlos Sainz said the 2026 changes are insufficient and deeper reforms are needed.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Adjustments to the regulations are planned for 2027 and 2028, moving the electric‑to‑combustion power split toward 60 % electric. nl.motorsport.com · www.autoblog.nl · autoracer.it · www.motorsportweek.com · fr.motorsport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Fan feedback through the Formula 1 Fan Voice programme has been largely positive despite driver criticism. fr.motorsport.com · nl.motorsport.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Max Verstappen described the 2026 regulation as “Formula E on steroids”. fr.motorsport.com · www.autoblog.nl · autoracer.it · www.motorsportweek.com · nl.motorsport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The FIA said driver criticisms were anticipated and that governance constraints delayed earlier adjustments. fr.motorsport.com · nl.motorsport.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The FIA said it anticipated many of the problems with the 2026 regulations before the season began. www.autoblog.nl · autoracer.it · www.motorsportweek.com · fr.motorsport.com · nl.motorsport.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Nikolas Tombazis said the driver criticism of the 2026 regulations was expected. www.autoblog.nl · autoracer.it · www.motorsportweek.com · fr.motorsport.com · nl.motorsport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lando Norris said the 2026 regulations are driven more by business considerations than sporting ones. www.caranddriver.com · autogear.pt · www.motorsportweek.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The FIA’s governance structure requires approval from the FIA, FOM and at least four of the five engine manufacturers for rule changes. www.autoblog.nl · autoracer.it · www.motorsportweek.com · fr.motorsport.com · nl.motorsport.com