The FIA has dismissed recent suggestions that the 2026 Formula 1 cars will approach Formula 2 performance levels. Isaac Hajjar from Racing Bulls and James Vowles from Williams had raised concerns after simulator work showed a notable drop in pace. Their comments gained attention because 2026 introduces a wide set of changes to both power units and aerodynamics. FIA single seater chief Nikolas Tombazis addressed the claims directly and stated that the forecasts circulating in the paddock do not reflect the governing body’s latest simulation data.
The new regulations shift power unit output toward a fifty to fifty split between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Energy management will play a central role under this configuration. The chassis will feature active aerodynamic systems that adjust the wing angles to reduce drag on straights. Even with these major changes, Tombazis explained that the expected loss in performance is around one to two seconds per lap depending on circuit characteristics. He called the comparison to F2 pace inaccurate and outlined why the data does not support that view.
Tombazis also explained the reasoning behind not targeting faster performance in the first season of the new cycle. If the opening specification exceeded the speed of the mature 2025 cars, the long term development curve could push lap times too far beyond safe or realistic limits. Starting slightly slower allows for steady performance gains without inflating speeds too early in the regulatory cycle. The gap between categories remains clear. For example, the current pole time at Yas Marina is over thirteen seconds faster than F2. Even with a two second reduction, the difference stays above eleven seconds.
Historical data supports this pattern. When the 1.6 liter V6 turbo hybrid era began in 2014, the gap to GP2 was more than seven and a half seconds. With the 2022 ground effect return, the margin grew to more than twelve seconds. Both examples show that F1 performance increases across subsequent seasons and the FIA expects 2026 to follow the same trend.
Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan echoed the FIA’s stance. He agreed that the 2026 cars will not approach F2 pace but warned that the performance delta will vary by circuit. Tracks with strong braking zones allow for more effective energy recovery, reducing the performance drop. Circuits with fewer recovery points will show a more noticeable decline. Monaghan added that tyre grip levels remain an uncertain factor and the final Pirelli specification will influence lap times significantly. He expects slower performance in the first season but remains confident that the category will retain a clear margin over Formula 2.
The combination of revised power unit rules, active aerodynamics and a measured approach to the first year of the regulatory cycle means that 2026 will bring modest performance changes. The FIA sees this as part of responsible long term planning rather than a loss of category identity.
