FIA believes that the 2026 regulations will enhance the quality of racing.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis acknowledges that the recent ground-effect regulations in Formula 1 have lost their effectiveness over time, but he maintains that the comprehensive reset for 2026 should result in prolonged closer racing. While discussing the FIA’s detailed presentation of the new regulations, Tombazis recognized that the cars from 2022 initially addressed significant overtaking challenges, but teams eventually adapted to create dirty air once more.
"The 2022 cars made a notable improvement in their wake characteristics," Tombazis explained. "Downforce at about 20 meters behind increased from around 50 percent in the previous generation to about 80 or 85 percent initially. However, this gradually declined over the regulation period, and now we are likely at around 70 percent."
The FIA is confident that the 2026 cars will reverse this trend. "We believe that the beginning of the new cycle will be closer to 90 percent—better than it has ever been," Tombazis stated. He highlighted insights gained from observing how teams have taken advantage of regulatory loopholes in recent seasons, notably regarding outwash.
"The shapes of the front wing endplates evolved to facilitate considerable outwash, and the interior of the front brake drums also negatively impacted the characteristics, as did the sides of the floor," Tombazis noted. "We have learned a lot from this, and in developing the regulations for 2026, we aim to preserve the advantageous characteristics for a longer duration and hopefully prevent this decline from happening again."
The 2026 regulations will feature smaller, lighter cars, simplified aerodynamics, active front and rear wings, and a new energy-based overtaking system. The FIA is optimistic that this combined package will enhance both the quality of racing and sustainability. Although lap times are projected to drop initially, Tombazis emphasized that the main goal is to foster closer competition.
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