FIA chief concerned as F1 champion blasts 'DANGEROUS' rule changes

F1 Off the Track

FIA chief admits concern as F1 champion blasts 'DANGEROUS' rule changes

The sport's governing body recently announced some big upcoming changes.

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson F1 Editor

Motorsport journalist covering F1 since 2024

Thursday 13 June 2024 09:57 Updated: 14:03

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One of the top figures from the FIA has answered questions on the upcoming Formula 1 regulation changes after a former world champion blasted them as 'dangerous'.

The sport's governing body announced last week that the new engine and aerodynamic regulations will go ahead as planned for 2026 in a move intended to make the sport more competitive and sustainable.

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The headline takeaways of the announcement are that the cars will be much lighter, the engines will use almost 300% more battery power and use 100% sustainable fuel, whilst active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings will also be introduced.

Despite the seemingly positive intentions of the rule change, the announcement of the new regulations has not gone down well with everybody, with former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve blasting the changes as dangerous over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Jacques Villeneuve has said the changes are dangerous

What have the FIA said about F1's 2026 regulations?

It appears that Villeneuve is not the only person to have an issue following the announcement of the changes that the sport is set to undergo.

Speaking at a press conference regarding the 2026 regulations, FIA director Nikolas Tombazis admitted that, whilst there was support regarding the aims of the regulations, there were concerns from some within the paddock.

“Well, there's been quite a varied reaction," Tombazis replied when quizzed on the matter by the media.

"I mean, there's been a lot of positive reaction in terms of supporting our aims.

“There's clearly some concern expressed by some drivers or some teams.”

As well as former champion Villeneuve, some of the current F1 drivers have flagged concerns following last week's announcement.

Some of the names to speak out so far, raising a variety of issues, include Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso and George Russell.