FIA reveals key targets for next F1 rules: 80kg weight cut

The FIA's Single-Seater Director, Nikolas Tombazis, has revealed the headline changes envisaged for the next cycle of Formula 1's technical regulations. Eleven rounds into the 2026 regulations, opinions are divided, but Tombazis believes the sport is heading in the right direction.

A major talking point during the winter was the 'nimble car' concept. The current generation features a shorter wheelbase and is 30kg lighter than its ground-effect predecessors. However, the power unit's 50-50 split between ICE and battery has dominated the spotlight, polarising driver opinions.

Tombazis acknowledges criticism of the PUs but insists the sport is progressing. "I think probably yes, although one should never assume that the job is finished. But I do think cars follow each other more closely," he said, as per Autosport. The 2026 aero concept is also more "robust," with no signs of porpoising that plagued earlier regulations.

Baca JugaToto Wolff: Menemukan Keseimbangan Antara Ambisi dan Kesenangan Jack di Karting

"I believe we are similar to where we were at the start of the 2022 championship, but I think it's a bit more robust this year," he explained. "The various aerodynamic solutions they've had, we haven't found something that has broken the concept, whereas in the previous regulations there were a few things that did significantly compromise the concept."

Many drivers have had to drastically alter their driving styles to suit the current cars. 2025 World Champion Lando Norris called the MCL40 the most difficult car he has driven in F1. Tombazis agrees but believes this will separate the best from the rest.

"They are still quite difficult cars to drive for the drivers, which I think is good, that they're not just cars that anybody can drive," he added. "Some of the aerodynamic regulations push towards teams not being able to address every single aspect of a car through a corner, and therefore they do have some challenges."

One of the biggest criticisms of the modern era has been the overweight cars. The ground-effect cars weighed 798kg, making them feel "on rails." Tombazis revealed that for the next cycle, the FIA targets at least an 80kg reduction from 2026 levels. "The cars are a bit lighter and a bit smaller, which the drivers have appreciated," he said. "But I would like us to be another 80 kilos lighter, and maybe still a bit shorter and a bit smaller in the future."