Overview
- FIA single-seater chief Nikolas Tombazis said Formula 1 cannot be hostage to carmakers, stressing the sport will set engine rules without relying on manufacturers who may join or leave.
- Targeted fixes to the 2026 rule set will apply from the Miami Grand Prix, with changes to energy deployment, qualifying behavior, and safety after early races exposed big closing-speed gaps and battery saving that slowed cars on straights.
- The FIA will judge ADUO, a scheme that gives struggling engine suppliers more development room, using a simple measure of internal-combustion power output after manufacturers rejected a more complex model.
- Talks have already begun for the next power-unit cycle planned for 2031 because engines take years to design, and discussions include a possible shift back toward louder combustion units using sustainable fuels as momentum for heavy electrification wanes.
- Tombazis said more engine noise would not trouble fans and argued the FIA must cut costs and shield F1 from wider economic swings so the championship is not exposed when car brands change plans.