The FIA does not want to disenfranchise or overwhelm drivers from 2026 onwards: intelligent drivers could still have advantages under the new regulations
With the new Formula 1 rules for 2026, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) wants to find a “middle ground” so that drivers are neither overburdened nor underchallenged.
This is the FIA’s response to recent statements by drivers that the new generation of Formula 1 cars feels “completely different” from the current vehicles, as Charles Leclerc put it. Alexander Albon added that driving under the new technical regulations will be “much more complex” than before.
Williams team principal James Vowles therefore warned against overburdening the drivers and even set up a special working group to support his drivers in the transition to the new cars.
Why the FIA has no concerns
However, Nikolas Tombazis, head of formula racing at the world governing body, does not consider the situation to be so dramatic. In an interview with Motorsport.com, he said: “Albon and other drivers haven’t actually driven under the final rules yet because they haven’t been finalized.”
“Yes, the workload will increase, but we are still working behind the scenes on how much will be automated and how much the driver will have to control himself.”
Between aspiration and reality
The aim is neither to overwhelm nor to disempower the drivers: “There has to be a certain degree of freedom for a driver to attack and defend. He needs control over such things,” explained Tombazis. In addition, there will be automated processes “so that the driver doesn’t have to think about things like turning the steering wheel.”
The FIA is striving to strike a balance between pure driving and the “chess game of energy management.” Because, according to Tombazis, one thing is clear: “Driving is not just about the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedal.”
Those who are clever have an advantage
Doesn’t that give drivers with greater mental capacity an advantage? Tombazis says: “Intelligent drivers already have the upper hand. Part of the current performance difference is due to this. But that has been a factor for the past 20 years.”
The FIA Formula Sport boss referred to his own collaboration with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari and said: “Michael was phenomenally talented. But what set him apart was his ability to think about everything during a race.”
Will only top drivers be successful from 2026 onwards?
This can also be observed in current Formula 1. Fernando Alonso, for example, is considered a driver who thinks for himself in the race car—and sometimes even has his teammate’s strategy in mind. “Others, on the other hand, have to concentrate fully on driving,” explained Tombazis.
Therefore, the FIA does not expect drivers to be overwhelmed from 2026 onwards. Coping with this “is part of the job description of a top driver,” said Tombazis.
“But we will make sure that it is not the most important skill. That will remain: braking at the right time, driving fast around corners, finding the limit, choosing the right line. That will continue to determine who is good—and who is not.”
