FIA open to further “amendments” to the F1 power unit regulations

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis did not rule out further improvements to the F1 power unit regulations, which are due to be introduced in 2026.

The 56-year-old expressed confidence in cooperation between different engine manufacturers “if some adjustments are needed” to the regulations.

As the power unit regulations for the next era of F1 have already been agreed – and have been for some time – any required changes cannot be made by the FIA ​​alone, as Tombazis emphasizes.

There have been calls to revisit powerplant regulations, expressing concerns that weaker engines from 2026 will require overly complex chassis and aerodynamics regulations to compensate for the loss of top speed.

“Well, there is a slightly different position regarding the governance of the power block because we are already in the process of a governance agreement in relation to the regulations for the power block, which means that any amendments that may be necessary will still need to be agreed with the manufacturers’ drive block and it cannot be done, let’s say, unilaterally,” Tombazis told the media Racing News365 to the question of whether there is potential for further changes.

“But since, overall, there is a very good spirit of cooperation, I am confident that if some adjustments are needed, the PU manufacturers would help and cooperate.”

Tombazis is “proud” of the increased number of power unit suppliers

Opinions on the new chassis regulations are divided, but some F1 figures have expressed support for the FIA ​​and FOM (Formula 1 governing body), with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner saying they should be “trusted”, but also reiterating that the key is to remain “free.”

As power unit rules need to be set in advance to give manufacturers enough development time, this now has a knock-on effect on the remaining 2026 regulations, which are due to be pre-approved by the World Motor Sport Council at the end of June, and the full set rules will be signed at the end of the year.

However, Tombazis was keen to emphasize that the direction of power unit development has led to an increase in the number of manufacturers competing in F1 from 2026 – when the number will increase from four to six – even if there are things he would change in hindsight.

Asked if there was anything he and the FIA ​​would do differently, he replied: “I think there are very few things in my life that I wouldn’t change in one way or another if I had more time.

“So yes, there are things we would have had more time to discuss. As always, you have to act on time and so on. Would it look drastically different than it does now? I don’t think so.

“I think we need to emphasize the fact that we have a much larger share of PU producers than before. I think it’s something to be proud of.”