FIA: Slower lap times in 2026 won’t mean less competitive racing

Formula 1’s next big regulation reset in 2026 will bring cars that are, on paper, slower than today’s machines – but the FIA insists fans and drivers alike will barely notice.

The governing body’s single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has downplayed fears about lap times, stressing that closer racing and evolving technology will matter far more than stopwatch comparisons.

Grand Prix racing’s 2026 regulations, which include smaller, lighter cars with active aerodynamics and a rebalanced power unit, are expected to alter performance dynamics significantly.

According to the FIA, simulations indicate a noticeable drop in pace compared to the current generation of F1 cars, but Tombazis believes the focus is misplaced.

“First of all, I do get a bit surprised by how much emphasis is put on the actual lap times,” he told Motorsport.com.

“We’ve had various phases of the sport when cars have been slower or faster, and I think once you are used to it, it’s okay.

“If you walk out of a simulator or in real life go from one car to another car that is one second and a half slower, you initially think ‘this is not a good car’, because you feel that second and a half. But I think once you’ve driven that a bit, then it actually doesn’t matter.”

Fans Will Adapt Quickly

Tombazis stressed that spectators will adjust just as drivers do.

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

Tombazis expects performance gains as development kicks in.

“In our simulations the new cars will be between one and two-and-a-half seconds slower at the start of the regulations, and clearly there will be evolution that will make them gain speed,” he added.

The FIA’s simulations, while robust, are not exhaustive, as Tombazis noted.

“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.”

Overtaking to Stay “Difficult but Feasible”

With DRS set to disappear in 2026, drivers will instead rely on active aerodynamics and a Manual Override Mode – a push-to-pass-style boost – to aid overtaking.

“This is one of the things we are doing now, when drivers are testing these cars in the simulator,” Tombazis said.

“What we are generally working on with the teams and the simulations, is to make sure that the extra boost you get keeps overtaking always on the difficult side.

“Difficult but feasible, rather than too easy where you just drive past somebody on the straights, or too difficult, where you don’t manage to get close enough at the braking point.

“The finetuning that is taking place at the moment is to ensure that this override boost gives you just about the right amount to be able to get to that point.

“It won’t be the same for each circuit, but that is exactly the work that is taking place at the moment.”

• Read also: Leclerc warns F1 drivers must ‘erase muscle memory’ for 2026 cars

As teams continue to develop their 2026 cars, in-season evolution is expected to close the initial performance gap. The combination of active aerodynamics, the Manual Override Mode, and ongoing development promises to keep the racing dynamic and engaging, even if the stopwatch shows a slight dip in pace.

Bot for Tombazis and the FIA, the focus remains clear: delivering a thrilling, competitive spectacle that transcends mere lap times.

As the sport heads toward its new era, fans can expect a fresh chapter in Formula 1’s storied history, one where strategy, skill, and close-quarters racing take precedence over outright speed.

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