FIA claims 2026 F1 rules ‘not rocket science’ amidst backlash over complicated rules

FIA's Nicholas Tombazis reckoned that the 2026 F1 rules were not too complicated for fans.

FIA claims 2026 F1 rules ‘not rocket science’ amidst backlash over complicated rules

F1 2026 chassis render (via Formula 1)

The FIA claims the rules made for 2026 season are not too complicated. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack proposed, the new rules would cause confusion among the fans. The sports governing body has now defended these proposals, claiming that the ruleset is not rocket science.

Nikolas Tombazis, FIA’s single-seater director, disagreed with Mike Krack‘s statement. According to Tombazis, the new plan is a bit more complicated than what they have now where the 2026 cars can draw closer through electrical power just like the DRS operates in current system.

The elements to assist getting close to the front car, the equivalent of the current DRS, will be handled by the electrical power. I think it’s a smidgen more complicated than what we have now.
Nikolas Tombazis said, as reported by RaceFans.net
YouTube video

Tombazis however reckoned that it is not very difficult to understand, the new system isn’t as difficult as rocket science. They acknowledge the need to explain it clearly so everyone understands, but ultimately, they believe it’s not so complicated when it’s properly explained.

FS Video
I don’t think it is rocket science, and clearly we will need to explain it adequately to everybody so people understand what they’re saying. But I don’t think it is really that complicated.
Nikolas Tombzis said

Alex Albon raises concerns over “extremely slow” 2026 F1 regulations

Williams driver Alex Albon feels there’s need to be some work done to prevent cars being too slow. When talking to media, the 28-year-old expressed his concerns on making cars slower. He reckoned there’s a lot of effort being put into preventing from losing speed at the end of straight sections due to MGU-K. Albon also admitted that dealing with the challenges of the new engine regulations are making things complicated, which makes the whole situation difficult to manage.

I don't speak out of turn, but I think it's gonna be very slow. Extremely slow. So I'm guessing there's a lot of stuff being done around making sure the straight line speeds are not tapering off at the end... I still think there needs to be some work done.
Alex Albon reported on RacingNews365
Alex Albon
Alex Albon(via IMAGO)

Alex Albon believes fixing the issues caused by the new engine regulations is making everything complicated. This complexity involves technical adjustment, strategic planning and even regulatory compliance.

I think that it seems to be that to recover what these engine regs are creating means that everything becomes extremely complicated.
Alex Albon added

Certainly, Alex Albon feels 2026 regulations should not be so complicated to be understood by fans and the drivers. FIA must look into this matter and make necessary changes to avoid confusions. This issue is making everything in the sport more complex and challenging which needs to be avoided.

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