---
title: "FIA knew about F1’s 2026 engine problems four years before new rules"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/19/fia-f1-2026-engine-problems-2022-tombazis/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2026-10-19T14:45:27Z"
modified: "2026-10-19T14:45:28Z"
---

# FIA knew about F1’s 2026 engine problems four years before new rules

**The FIA knew some of F1’s new power unit rules could cause problems as early as 2022, according to single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis.**

The 2026 regulations introduced a much greater reliance on electrical power, with the original concept targeting a near-50:50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric system. Tombazis says simulations exposed difficulties four years before the rules reached the track, but manufacturers had already committed too many resources for a fundamental rethink.

“As simulations came in back in 2022 or so, we knew there were these issues,” Tombazis said. “But we were a bit too far down the line there to change things, and some people had committed too much resource.”

The FIA has since moved to alter the balance of the power units from 2027 after concerns over energy management during the opening races of this season.

## F1 will reduce reliance on electric power

The FIA, Formula One Management, teams and power unit manufacturers have agreed changes which will gradually rebalance the contribution from the combustion engine and energy recovery system during 2027 and 2028.

The package includes changes to combustion-engine output, fuel energy flow and electrical deployment, with greater freedom over how energy is managed during a lap. Tombazis said the original electrical target was partly driven by manufacturers when the regulations were being developed.

“Overall, it was always a challenging target to have a close to 50:50 power split between the two units,” he said.

“But that was a very important position for the OEMs participating, and frankly having to decide whether they want to be in Formula 1 or not.”

The FIA says the stronger electrical element created some of the difficulties it is now attempting to address.

## V8 forms part of F1’s longer-term plan

A bigger change is being developed for the next generation of regulations. Tombazis says the FIA is targeting a turbocharged V8 with a smaller electrical component, while reducing the weight of the cars by at least 60kg. The final specification and introduction date have not yet been settled.

It follows FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem saying [F1 is working towards a return to V8 engines](https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/14/f1-v8-engines-return-2030-ben-sulayem/), with lower costs and lighter cars among the governing body’s priorities.

The V8 regulations could arrive in 2030 or 2031. For now, F1 will retain the V6 hybrid architecture introduced this season, with the first major rebalancing of combustion and electrical power coming in 2027.

***Follow the latest* [*Formula 1 news and analysis on Read Motorsport*](https://readmotorsport.com/)*.***