FIA reacts to 'F1 slow as F2 in 2026' fears due to regulations overhaul

16:55, 22 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

How much slower will Formula 1 be in 2026? According to FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, the answer is simple: it doesn’t really matter.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Tombazis downplayed concerns that the new-generation cars will be noticeably slower.

“I really don’t think the lap times are going to be a factor once people get used to these cars.

"I think it’s a comment you make initially when you see the delta, but I don’t think it will be a factor frankly, nor will it be hugely different from now.”

F1's development race will close the gap?

The FIA has run simulations suggesting that lap times will initially be between 1.0 and 2.5 seconds slower compared to the current regulations, but this will be mitigated by the development race.

“Clearly there will be evolution that will make them gain speed,” Tombazis added.

However, he acknowledged that the projections are not absolute, and the outright lap times could be even slower than predicted in some cases.

“In fairness, we don’t have data from all the teams, we don’t know the exact levels of downforce from all the teams.

"Potentially, some teams that don’t get it right initially may be a bit slower than our simulations, but we don’t expect lap times to be a talking point.”

'F1 cars in 2026 not as slow as F2'

For Tombazis, the priority is the spectacle, not stopwatch comparisons. “I find it a bit surprising why people actually care.

"Clearly if we’d make cars as slow as F2 or anything like that, then obviously people will have something to say about it, but that is definitely not the case.”

The 2026 regulations, combining new power units with lighter, more agile chassis, are designed to prioritise closer racing and better on-track battles, something the FIA insists fans will value more than raw pace.