The FIA tempers fears around Mercedes in definitive statement

Nikolas Tombazis has poured cold water on suggestions that Mercedes or any other engine manufacturer, could benefit from this scenario.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, the FIA’s Single-Seater Director pointed out that the 2026 regulations are moving in the opposite direction to the complex hybrid systems of a decade ago.

“I don’t think we will see such a great superiority of an engine manufacturer as in 2014.

"At that time, the engine became much more complicated compared to its predecessor. This time we are doing the opposite. We simplify technology.”

Mercedes sees pros and cons with three customer teams

2026 poses risks, though, that the FIA cannot mitigate

The new power units will drop the MGU-H entirely and will be subject to stricter limits in certain areas.

Tombazis noted that while there are new entrants to the sport, which does not come without its risk.

These risks cannot be mitigated, even by the caps the FIA has put in place, Tombazis stressed.

"On the other hand, we have new additions among the manufacturers, and of course there is always the risk that one of them will miss the mark with the first shot, despite the budget limit, despite the limited test bench time.

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