Nikolas Tombazis, FIA's Director of Single Seaters, discusses 2026 F1 regulations for sustainability and closer racing. He reflects on his F1 career with Schumacher and Raikkonen, McLaren challenges, and Ferrari disappointments. The interview covers his engineering background, family history, and the importance of talent in F1.
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Quick takeaways
2026 F1 regulations aim for sustainable fuel, increased battery power, and competitive racing through active aerodynamics.
Nikolas Tombazis reflects on championship successes with Michael Schumacher, challenges at McLaren, and Fernando Alonso's 2010 title miss.
Deep dives
Nicolas Tombasis discusses the 2026 Formula One regulations
The FIA's Nicolas Tombasis explains the key changes in the 2026 Formula One regulations. These new rules will result in lighter, more agile cars with more powerful engines fueled sustainably. By introducing new aerodynamic innovations, the regulations aim to enhance competition, safety, and sustainability within the sport.
Working alongside top F1 teams and drivers
Nicolas Tombasis reflects on his career working with top F1 teams like Ferrari and Benetton, highlighting his collaborations with drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. His expertise in aerodynamics contributed to numerous titles, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of working in Formula One.
Comparison between different F1 eras
Tombasis shares insights into the differences between working in various F1 eras and teams, from the intense pressure at Ferrari to the unique challenges faced at Manor Racing. He reflects on the impact of resource discrepancies on team performance and the evolution of regulations affecting competitiveness in the sport.
Personal reflections and Formula One memories
Discussing his personal journey in Formula One, Tombasis delves into moments of triumph and regret, such as missed championship opportunities with drivers like Fernando Alonso. He also shares anecdotes about his career transitions, influences, and the impact of regulations on team dynamics and racing outcomes.
He’s an engineer who won Formula 1 World Championships with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. Now he’s working on the rules of the sport for 2026 and beyond.
Nikolas Tombazis is the Director of Single Seaters for the FIA. He is overseeing the regulations for the 2026 season, when F1 cars will be lighter, smaller and sustainably fuelled, with greater battery power and revolutionary active aerodynamics. He tells Tom Clarkson how the new rules have been designed to create close, competitive racing which is thrilling to watch.
Nikolas also looks back at his career in F1, when he enjoyed domination and experienced disappointment. Championships with Michael Schumacher at Benneton were followed by more success at Ferrari, with Schumi and Kimi Raikkonen. A move to McLaren during a difficult period brought challenges. His return to Ferrari brought agony as Fernando Alonso missed out on the 2010 title, in a showdown which still plays on Tombazis’ mind.
Experience Formula 1 live in 2024
Tickets for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Las Vegas Grand Prix and races around the world are available now at tickets.formula1.com
This episode is sponsored by:
Salesforce: visit salesforce.com/F1 to learn more about how Formula 1 wins fans and grows its global fanbase with Salesforce
Indeed: get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID.
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