Nicolas Tombazis: We can’t be held hostage by automakers, also don’t expect a revolution in Miami
F1 NewsWednesday, 29 April 2026 at 10:58
As the circus lands in Miami, Nikolas Tombazis moved to clarify Formula 1’s controversial ADUO system, insisting it will not distort the competitive order while detailing how the FIA will calculate engine performance.
The Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) mechanism is designed to grant struggling manufacturers more development freedom, but has drawn scrutiny from teams including Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, and Ferrari over its potential impact.
“Let’s not forget that the ADUO is not, as some might say, a balance of performance system,” FIA single seater chief Tombazis told reporters. “It’s not like you’re suddenly going to get better fuel flow or less weight or anything like that.”
He stressed that success would still depend on building the strongest engine. “We’re looking to offer a bit more of an opportunity but you still have to build the best engine to win. We’re not going to give three points to the guy behind you.”
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will rank engine manufacturers primarily based on power output, but using a lap weighted model rather than peak figures alone.
“Power is calculated in a lap weighted way: where power is more relevant, typically at the beginning of a straight, it has more weight compared to where it is less important,” Tombazis explained.
The system will instead rely on performance indices that reflect how power is delivered across a lap, including traction and acceleration out of corners.
Don’t expect revolutionary changes
Data will be gathered from race weekends using the best performing car from each engine supplier. Tombazis said: “For each race we take the best car of each engine manufacturer, we collect data over many laps and we take the average.
“We have a fairly reasonable statistical approach that we have discussed and shared with the teams," he added, confirming the improved sensors introduced this season should ensure accurate measurement.
The first ADUO rankings are not expected until after the opening phase of the season he pointed out: “We have at least one month until the first ADUO results tranche, so before that we will definitely have Miami and also Canada."
The debate comes as Formula 1 introduces rule tweaks in Miami following widespread criticism of the 2026 regulations, particularly around energy management and inconsistent performance across a lap.
Tombazis cautioned against expecting dramatic changes from either the tweaks or the ADUO system. “Don’t expect revolutionary changes,” he said, while suggesting qualifying could become more flat out.
Drivers have pushed for adjustments to improve drivability and safety: “The drivers’ position was quite uniform. They were all pushing for some changes to qualifying in order to enjoy the driving more, push harder, but they were also pushing for us to address some safety issues.”
Tombazis unashamedly shilling the FOM-slop
Despite that, he insisted the spectacle has not suffered. “Fans, overall, have appreciated the new regulations because they have made the races more exciting.”
Concerns remain from teams such as Ferrari, which has pursued an engine concept sacrificing peak power for drivability, potentially leaving it disadvantaged by the FIA’s chosen metric.
Tombazis acknowledged that engine performance is influenced by multiple secondary factors, including turbo configuration, plenum temperature and exhaust pressure, but said a more complex formula had been rejected.
Tombazis recalled: “About a year ago, we offered the manufacturers a slightly more complex formula that would also take these parameters into account. They were quite categorical in saying that they did not want it. The regulation is clear: engine power is taken into account.”
The FIA will continue to monitor the system after its introduction. “After Miami, we will conduct a brief review, while remaining open to further measures,” he said.
Looking further ahead, he indicated the broader engine philosophy could already be under reconsideration: “There was strong pressure to make the electric component much larger, and perhaps the potential of electric power was overestimated."
We can’t be held hostage by automakers
“Everything is on the table, even the simplest engines.” But Tombazis warned the sport must retain control over its direction. “We can’t be held hostage by automakers who decide for themselves whether to participate in our sport or not.”
While the powers that be scratch their heads to resolve what is a disastrous rules set conceptualised by the current FOM and FIA leadership, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is in denial.
Forced to go on a damage control over the lattere half of this month, the Italian shot himself in the foot multiple times and truggering the ire of an increasingly restless Formula 1 fanbase.
Ultimately Domenicali's message was loud and clear: FOM and by extension Liberty Media, do not care about the traditional fans and their concerns. Numbers show them that views and sponsorships are up, ticket sales are booming. For the elites, money talks and nothing else matters.
Time will tell how long that lasts, before heads start to roll at the FIA and at FOM. Right now, it appears an amateur cover-up attempt is in place to convince the critics, among them all of our team on GRANDPRIX247, that we are fools to take Formula 1 so seriously.
The message is loud and clear: Formula 1 is no longer a high-IQ sport, we are going low-IQ for the masses. It's not about real racing, it's about entertainment, they say. And the people love it...
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