FIA Director Nikolas Tombazis Defends 2026 50/50 Hybrid Power Split Amid Shifting Automotive Priorities

FIA director Nikolas Tombazis told a media round‑table ahead of the Miami GP that the 2026 50/50 hybrid power split stemmed from automakers’ electrification promises, warned market shifts could unsettle F1, and urged budget talks for next rules.

Why it matters:

The 50/50 split drives F1’s performance‑cost balance and ties the sport to an automotive market that may retreat, risking financial stability. Sustainable fuels now serve as a hidden safety net as electrification stalls.

The details:

• The 50/50 split was set in 2022 assuming ICEs would be phased out, but EV uptake has slowed and several manufacturers have softened that pledge.
• To keep the engine formula viable, the FIA introduced fully sustainable fuels as a backup.
• Power‑unit development cycles span years, so any tweak for the 2031 rulebook must start now.
• Cutting unit costs could attract independent engine builders and curb automakers’ influence on material specifications.

What's next:

The FIA will launch a technical dialogue in the coming months to lock in a 2031 formula before market conditions shift again. Cost‑reduction and a larger role for sustainable fuels are expected, while early, transparent talks aim to keep F1 competitive and financially secure.