Why the FIA couldn't intervene sooner over F1's 2026 rules

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has acknowledged it is 'a shame' that F1's 2026 technical regulations could not be adjusted in the years leading up to their introduction, citing governance structures as the obstacle. The new rules, which place much greater emphasis on electric power, have drawn sharp criticism from drivers including Max Verstappen, who called the power unit regulations 'Formula E on steroids,' and Oscar Piastri, who raised concerns about 'self-learning elements' and qualifying grids being influenced by computer behaviour. Tombazis stated that while the FIA did listen to drivers, their outspoken criticism was not unexpected, describing drivers as 'quite demanding clients.'