Nikolas Tombazis

Nikolas Tombazis is one of the most influential engineers in modern Formula 1. For more than three decades, he has played a key role in designing championship-winning cars and shaping the sport’s technical direction as a senior official at the FIA.

Born in Athens, Greece, in 1968, Tombazis studied mechanical engineering at the University of Cambridge and earned a PhD in aeronautics at Imperial College London. He began his Formula 1 career in 1992 with Benetton as an aerodynamic engineer. Just two years later, he was promoted to head of aerodynamics, contributing significantly to Michael Schumacher’s world titles in 1994 and 1995.

In 1997, Tombazis joined Ferrari. As head of aerodynamics and later chief designer, he was one of the driving forces behind the team’s dominant era. Between 1999 and 2004, Ferrari won six Constructors’ Championships and five Drivers’ titles, thanks in part to his innovative design vision. The F2007, which carried Kimi Raikkonen to the world championship, was also developed under his leadership.

From 2004 to 2005, Tombazis worked at McLaren as head of aerodynamics and project leader, overseeing the development of the successful MP4-20. In 2006, he returned to Ferrari, where he stayed until the end of 2014 as chief designer. During this period, he was responsible for several competitive cars, despite internal challenges at the team.

After leaving Ferrari, Tombazis briefly worked at Manor F1 in 2016 as head of aerodynamics. He also founded his own consultancy firm and lectured in aerodynamics at Imperial College. His extensive technical expertise and hands-on experience kept him closely involved in shaping Formula 1 regulations.

In 2018, Tombazis was appointed head of single-seater technical matters at the FIA. He played a central role in technical regulations for Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula 4. Since January 2023, he has served as FIA Single Seater Director, leading the sport’s overall technical direction.

Under his leadership, the new 2026 regulations are being developed, with a focus on lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and 100 percent sustainable fuels. This places Tombazis at the forefront of one of the most significant changes in recent Formula 1 history.