The new regulations for the 2026 F1 season, governing the next generation of cars in the premier racing series, have received mixed reviews. While some have praised the rules, including seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, others remain skeptical. FIA technical representatives Nikolas Tombazis and Jan Monchaux recently addressed the press in Montreal to provide an overview of these rules.
During the press conference, Tombazis explained that the objectives of these new regulations have been in development for some time. The focus has been on sustainability, with a push for fully sustainable fuels and increased use of electric components. The aim is to attract new manufacturers to the sport. Additionally, there is a desire to improve the quality of racing, as recent seasons have seen a decline in close competition. The goal is to make cars more efficient and agile, reducing weight and dimensions.
When asked about the reaction to the announcement, Tombazis acknowledged that it has been varied. While there has been much support for the objectives of the regulations, some drivers and teams have expressed concerns. Tombazis clarified that the regulations are not yet approved and will be presented to the World Council for discussion and possible approval later in the month. There are still adjustments to be made, especially regarding downforce and straight-line speed, which will be determined through consultation with teams and other stakeholders.
Overall, the process of finalizing the regulations will continue throughout the year, with additional work and adjustments expected before teams can begin aerodynamic development in 2025. The goal is to address any remaining concerns and ensure that the regulations are comprehensive and effective for the 2026 season.
P: Doubts have arisen about the performance of the cars and the challenges they present. You mentioned that chassis regulations are still evolving, but is there a possibility to make adjustments to the power unit regulations to help achieve the desired results? Or are the power unit regulations set and immutable according to the FIA?
NT: Power unit regulations have a different governance structure, as we already have an agreement in place with power unit manufacturers. Any necessary adjustments will need to be agreed upon by all parties involved. However, due to the collaborative nature of the sport, I am confident that manufacturers would be willing to help and work together if adjustments are needed.
P: Concerns have been raised about the performance of the cars compared to other categories, such as Formula 2. Is there a target pace for the new regulations, and are these concerns valid?
NT: The concerns raised are based on a current view of the regulations on paper. However, we have full confidence that the performance of the cars will improve. We initially set a relatively low target to allow progress with team collaboration. Increasing the cars’ downforce is a relatively simple task with the freedom provided by the regulations. I believe that any concerns about the cars not being faster than Formula 2 will be resolved by the time we finalize the regulations.
P: Have teams expressed their concerns throughout the process of defining these regulations?
JM: Yes, teams have expressed their concerns as they are naturally hesitant to implement significant changes. We have had ongoing discussions and concessions to find the best solutions. The regulations presented now are the most restrictive that the teams will see, as we believe it will be easier to gradually increase freedom and review certain aspects of the regulations in the future. This approach ensures that we can achieve our goals, allowing more freedom if necessary.
P: The target weight of the cars has been a topic of discussion. Is the target fixed, and has the allowance for the weight of the drivers been removed from the regulations?
NT: We are determined to reduce the weight of the cars and have been working with the teams to assess areas where weight can be reduced. The target weight is challenging but achievable. We are still collecting estimates from the teams regarding weight savings. As for the weight of the drivers, there was a discussion about whether it should be 80 or 82 kilograms. To not penalize heavier drivers, it was decided to set the allowance at 82 kilograms.
P: With narrower tires, what impact will this have on mechanical grip and how does this work with lower levels of downforce to improve racing?
JM: The reduction in tire width was carefully considered to avoid potential overheating issues and ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations. We do not expect significant differences in mechanical grip and overall grip due to the changes in tire size. The reduction in downforce will naturally result in slightly lower cornering speeds compared to current cars. However, we will work closely with the teams to determine an appropriate level of downforce that balances performance and safety.
P: Will cars be able to follow more closely with higher top speeds and lower cornering speeds?
JM: Although top speeds may be slightly higher, we have measures in place to ensure they do not reach unsafe levels. We can control the low drag setup of the cars by limiting the opening of the front and rear wing on certain straights. The deployment of electrical power can also be adjusted if necessary. We want to avoid unnecessary risks and maintain a level of top speed comparable to current cars. As for cornering speeds, they will be lower due to the reduction in downforce. However, we will work with the teams to determine an appropriate level of downforce that allows for agile and nimble cars.
P: Some concerns have been raised about the complexity of the new regulations. Are you worried about this and do you plan to simplify them?
JM: We believe that the new regulations are not overly complex and can be understood by fans, especially considering the technological literacy of the current generation. X-Mode and Z-Mode are part of the normal operation of the car, similar to the current DRS system. We will ensure that necessary explanations are provided to everyone so they can fully understand the changes.
P: How will the use of sustainable fuels be monitored and regulated?
NT: The origin of fuel components will be verified and independently certified for sustainability. We will also continue monitoring the chemical composition of fuel samples to ensure compliance with regulations. The power unit regulations already have provisions to ensure the use of relevant and sustainable fuels. Any future changes would require government approval.
P: Looking back, is there anything the FIA would do differently when establishing power unit regulations? And did Pat Symonds’ departure affect the relationship with the FOM?
NT: There are always things that could have been done differently with the benefit of hindsight, but overall, we are satisfied with the participation and collaboration of the power unit manufacturers. Regarding Pat Symonds’ departure, our relationship with the FOM remains strong, and we continue to work closely together. Although his expertise was valuable, we have the necessary means to handle the current situation.
P: Can you clarify how the driver-controlled elements of the active aerodynamics system will work and what safety measures are in place?
JM: The details of the driver-controlled elements are still being discussed with the teams. The overall approach will be similar to the current DRS system, where certain conditions need to be met before the driver can activate it. It will not be automated, and the driver will have control over when to activate and deactivate the system. Safety measures and protection systems will be implemented to ensure that the system functions as intended and does not pose reliability or safety risks.
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Soccer is an exciting sport that arouses intense emotions in fans. And when it comes to great rivalries, there is nothing more thrilling than a classic match. One of the most anticipated classics in world football is the clash between Flamengo and Fluminense. These two Rio de Janeiro teams have a long history of rivalry, and their games are often full of excitement and tension.
In the last match between Flamengo and Fluminense, held at Maracanã stadium, fans were treated to an electrifying game. Flamengo opened the scoring early in the match, but Fluminense did not give up and managed to equalize in the second half. The match remained balanced until the final minutes, when Flamengo scored the winning goal, much to the delight of their fans.
In addition to the result, the match was also marked by controversial plays and discussions among players. The rivalry between Flamengo and Fluminense is so intense that matches are usually characterized by hard tackles and provocations. Fans also play a role and create true spectacles in the stands.
The next clash between Flamengo and Fluminense promises to be another exciting chapter in this historic rivalry. Both teams are in good form and are fighting for the championship title. Fans are already eager to see who will come out victorious in this highly anticipated classic.
There is no doubt that the classic match between Flamengo and Fluminense is one of the most exciting games in Brazilian football. Fans are already counting down the days to the next clash, with expectations of another match full of emotion and rivalry. It will be a true spectacle on and off the field.
