Tombazis: I wouldn't be able to drive the 2026 Formula 1 car!

With the next generation of rules set to take effect for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, the FIA are fine-tuning how the cars will be operated, deciding what functions will be automated and what will require direct driver input.

Tombazis explained to Motorsport: “We don't want to overburden the driver with something. But at the same time there has to be a degree of freedom, to make sure that he can attack, defend and have some of that stuff under his control. But there will for sure be some part of it which will be managed transparently to him, so he doesn't have to think about it when cornering or something like that.”

The Greek veteran F1 engineer admitted the balance between simplicity and complexity is a fine one: “I think there's a balance to strike between driving like a chess game of energy management, which we don't want as one extreme, and then the other extreme where driving is just a steering wheel, a throttle pedal and a brake pedal. We need to find a good way in the middle.”

Tombazis believes that mental sharpness is already a decisive factor in modern Formula 1. “I think smart drivers already prevail. The difference in performance that we see nowadays in F1 includes a percentage of that. And that’s not only now, the mental bandwidth of drivers has been a factor for the last 20 years already.

"Also in the younger days of my career, when I was working with Michael Schumacher for example. Obviously, he was phenomenally talented, but a big part of what set him apart was that he could also think of all these other things during a race.”

Tombazis continued: “You know that amongst the current drivers there are some who seem to have a bit extra to think about other things as well, while some others have to use all their CPU to drive the car. These drivers are the best drivers in the world, and they have quite a high bandwidth of intellect.

"They can deal with certain problems. There's a level of understanding they need to have of these parameters. We think that’s part of what a top driver has to do. It's not, however, and we will make sure it isn't, the main skill.”

Tombazis insisted that the essence of driving will not be lost in the new era of complex machinery: “The main skill is still to be able to brake at the right point, to go fast around the corner, to find the limit, select the right lines, etc.

"That will still be the main parameter that controls who's good and who's bad. I wouldn't be able to drive the car!" concluded Tombazis.

In his role as the FIA’s single-seater director, Tombazis is responsible for shaping Formula 1’s technical regulations. He has a long career in the sport, having held senior design roles at Ferrari, McLaren and Manor before joining the FIA in 2018.

At the federation, he has overseen key rule changes, including the ground-effect cars introduced in 2022 and the major regulation overhaul coming in 2026.

Tombazis is known for his focus on balancing innovation, safety and competition, while also managing costs. His leadership ensures F1 evolves technologically without losing the core driving skills that define the sport.