FIA Calms Mercedes After 'Superiority' Ruling
The FIAhave calmed concerns that the regulatory changes coming next year could lead to a period of supremacy akin to that seen byMercedesLooking back, power units are set for a major overhaul as part of the intended modifications, with engine makers needing to stick to fresh regulations. Cars will be fuelled by sustainable sources, and there'll be a redesigned energy recovery system boasting boosted electrical power.
In years past, significant alterations to the rules have resulted in a single team's supremacy over all others. Mercedes capitalised on the 2014 regulations and subsequently secured the Constructors' Championship for eight consecutive years, ending in 2021. This has sparked worries that a comparable period of dominance might begin from next year, but the FIA has taken steps to alleviate these concerns.
Nikolas Tombazis, the head of single-seater matters at the governing body, has asserted that the incoming rules are a departure from the intricate hybrid technology seen ten years prior.
He mentioned that he doubts any engine maker will dominate to the extent they did back in 2014.Auto Motor und Sport.
Back then, the engine was far more intricate than the previous model. Now, we're taking the opposite approach: we're making the technology simpler.
Conversely, we're seeing fresh faces enter the manufacturing scene, and naturally, there's the ever-present possibility that one of them might stumble right out of the gate, even with budget constraints and limited testing opportunities.
Following remarks from F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, who cautioned supporters against "overreacting" should a single team dominate the initial Grands Prix of the 2026 season.
When questioned about whether he was worried about the updated rules, he said.The RaceI'd argue the answer is a definite no. We mustn't overlook the fact that there are two ways of thinking about new rules.
One approach is strategic, and the teams are engaged in that particular game, resulting in specific remarks and perspectives being voiced. They have a rationale for this, one that doesn't quite align with our own beliefs, and it's this rationale that's prompting them to make certain comments.
Read more: Fernando Alonso is 'worried' about Aston Martin, and the head of the team shares his sentiment.
Secondly, it's still developing. I recall that the actual discussion we had with the FIA, the teams, and the drivers at the start of the year is now completely different.
Even before the new rules come into effect, things are naturally progressing positively. Initially, all I heard was talk of 'lift and coast, lift and coast', but that complaint is now practically disappearing.
It might crop up in a couple of instances, perhaps two or three, but I'm fairly sure the connection between the teams and the FIA is solid. After all, they're the ones who ultimately need to ensure this regulatory tweak gets sorted out.
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