FIA Plans Major Shake-Up to Boost F1's Underdog Teams in 2026

Newsweek

18 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Formula One's governing body, the FIA, has been working to help underdog engine manufacturers in a big way from 2026, when the sport enters a new era of regulations. This will be possible through a new program called 'additional development opportunities for performance gaps,' which could prove highly beneficial for teams struggling to find performance.
With the reset in chassis and engine regulations from 2026, the FIA has been taking significant steps to ensure no single manufacturer dominates the new era of regulations. Mercedes was one such recent engine supplier that dominated the hybrid era that began in 2014, winning eight Constructors' Championships until 2021.
Speaking on the topic, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazi told Auto Motor und Sport:
"I don't think we'll ever see such a dominant engine manufacturer again as we did in 2014. Back then, the powertrain became much more complex than its predecessor. This time, we're doing the opposite. We're simplifying the technology.
Drivers take the start to the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit in Mogyorod near Budapest, Hungary, on August 3, 2025.
Drivers take the start to the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit in Mogyorod near Budapest, Hungary, on August 3, 2025.
Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP/Getty Images
"Originally, we wanted to go even further, but we couldn't get it done. The new powertrains are simpler. They no longer have MGU-H, and there are stricter limits in some areas.
"On the other hand, we have newcomers among the manufacturers, and of course, there's always the risk that one of them will miss the mark with the first attempt. Despite budget constraints and limited test bench time."
When put to him if struggling power unit suppliers would receive support to boost performance, he said:
"Yes. We've introduced a program for this that we call 'additional development opportunities for performance gaps.' It was in the rules from the beginning. In recent months, we've refined how we want to manage it.
"Essentially, we'll measure the average performance for each manufacturer every six races. For those below a certain level, there will be an upgrade option depending on how far behind."
Tombazis explained that the trailing manufacturers can bounce back in three ways. He added:
"This can be represented at three different levels: more money for development. More dyno hours. More time for specification homologation. So, those who are behind have a chance to catch up."
He was asked if the new system was similar to the Balance of Performance in endurance racing. While he denied the similarity, he emphasized that the FIA was making "final adjustments" to ensure the same rules apply to all engine suppliers and teams while providing struggling teams a much-needed push to improve their competitiveness. The FIA head said:
"That's not the case. The rules remain the same for everyone. No one gets more displacement or more fuel. If there were no budget cap, the lagging manufacturers would invest more money. When Honda entered in 2015 and was lagging behind, they had to invest a lot of money for a certain period of time to catch up. With a cost cap, there's a risk that you'll never be able to catch up. And no one wants to be humiliated forever.
"That wouldn't be fair either. We're currently working on the final adjustments to this system. The engine manufacturers have been extremely cooperative."
Given that the 2026 car will be entirely new, Tombazis revealed a system through which a manufacturer will be able to upgrade their components in case of reliability issues in the early stages. He explained:
"There's also another initiative. If someone has major reliability issues at the beginning, they can also upgrade. It's pointless to leave someone out in the cold who has engine failure every weekend.
"These engines are expensive. In extreme cases, someone would quickly reach the limits of the cost cap if they didn't simultaneously scale back development. This proposal still has to be approved. One idea is that once a certain number of engines are used, additional units will be exempt from the budget cap."