P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The single seater director of the FIA, Nikolas Tombazis, has revealed his predictions for the early stages of the 2026 F1, amid the sport’s new regulations cycle.
FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis has shared his predictions for the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season, centered around the introduction of new technical regulations.
The 2026 season brings forth significant changes such as 50-50 hybrid power units and updated aerodynamics for the cars, resulting in a shift towards further electrification and increased speculation on the performance of OEMs.
Tombazis highlights the importance of the new ICE regulations and anticipates initial performance differentiations among teams, with mechanisms in place to ensure gradual convergence.
In addition to the engine changes, the fresh aerodynamic regulations will also impact car performance, leading to both advancements and setbacks as teams adapt to the modifications.
While Tombazis acknowledges the potential for varied performances early on, he is optimistic that the season will culminate in a more closely contested grid compared to 2025, supported by progress seen in simulator tests indicating tighter competition across teams and a more compact grid overall.
