FIA admits new F1 rules need tweaks, not overhaul, as deadline approaches

The FIA’s single‑seater director Nikolas Tombazis told The Guardian that the 2025 regulation package does not require a complete rewrite – only targeted adjustments to address drivability and safety concerns. With two more technical meetings scheduled before the Miami Grand Prix, any changes could be in place for the next race weekend.

Why it matters:

• Safety first – Recent on‑track incidents have highlighted specific rule gaps that could endanger drivers if left unaddressed.
• Fan experience – Fans have praised the racing so far, but unresolved safety and handling issues risk eroding that goodwill.
• Team development – Minor rule tweaks are far cheaper and less disruptive than a full‑scale overhaul, preserving budgets and allowing teams to focus on car performance.

The details:

• Tombazis likened the situation to a patient needing a few apples a day, not open‑heart surgery – emphasizing incremental fixes over a radical overhaul.
• A meeting on 9 April in Suzuka reviewed the first batch of feedback; a second session on 20 April will solidify proposals before the Miami GP.
• Core topics include drivability quirks, a specific safety failure that caused a recent accident, and the ADUO system governing in‑season power‑unit upgrades.
• Drivers have voiced concerns about brake balance, tyre degradation and the new aerodynamic constraints, prompting the FIA to prioritize those areas.
• The ADUO framework will be re‑examined to ensure teams have clear, fair limits on development while maintaining competition.

What’s next:

• The FIA will present its final rule recommendations at the April 20 meeting, with the possibility of implementation for the Miami race.
• Teams will have a narrow window to adapt car setups and update software ahead of the next Grand Prix.
• Fans can expect modest, safety‑focused changes rather than a wholesale redesign of the 2025 rulebook.