The International Automobile Federation (FIA) justified its decision not to veto the self-learning algorithms present in Formula 1 power units for the 2026 season. The measure, communicated on August 6, 2026, comes amid heated debates, especially after complaints from drivers such as Oscar Piastri, who considered it ‘terrible’ to be affected by the engine’s electronic management system.
As Nikolas Tombazis, director of single-seaters at the organization, explained, removing these algorithms would not guarantee complete control to competitors. On the contrary, the ban could intensify the phenomenon known as ‘clipping’, which occurs when electrical energy runs out prematurely on straights, seriously compromising vehicle performance.
While Formula 1 maintains the view that spectators are happy with racing in 2026, several drivers have expressed objections to the new technical regulations. A significant point of contention emerged after the qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix, held at Spa-Francorchamps.
In this event, Oscar Piastri recorded a notable loss of performance on the straights compared to Lando Norris, his teammate, without McLaren being able to immediately identify the cause. McLaren boss Andrea Stella later reported that both cars had almost identical power unit configurations, attributing the discrepancy to ‘self-learning elements’ of the system.
In reality, the technology does not fit into the conventional concept of artificial intelligence. The system employs algorithms that have the ability to learn continuously throughout the lap, adjusting the energy distribution whenever they perceive variations in relation to the predefined ideal strategy.
On the same topic: Red Bull suspends virtual development after harsh criticism from Verstappen of new hybrid engine
The issue raised by pilots is that certain aspects of the operation are not entirely under their control. Andrea Stella clarified that, although the system responds to the driver’s instructions, it is also susceptible to external factors, such as changes in wind intensity and grip conditions on the circuit.
It was precisely this situation that motivated Oscar Piastri’s strong criticism after qualifying.
Piastri expressed his frustration, declaring: “It’s terrible. I can’t put it any other way. When starting positions are decided by computers that work or don’t work, it’s a very bad way to race.”
Learn more: Viral satire about ChatGPT failures provokes global discussion about the limits of artificial intelligence
In a conversation with journalists, Nikolas Tombazis stated that he understands the pilots’ dissatisfaction.
The leader said: “It’s true, and their comments are understandable. I think this is a consequence of the fact that energy is limited and, therefore, the best way to manage it becomes crucial. Different management strategies exist precisely because of this limitation.”
FIA reasons for not banning technology in engines
The debate raised an obvious question: if such algorithms provoke such controversy, why don’t they opt for their ban, reestablishing full control of energy management to the pilots through steering wheel controls?
After all, sporting guidelines state that “the driver must drive the car alone and without assistance”.
For Nikolas Tombazis, however, this approach would be superficial.
More on this story: General Motors officially enters as an engine manufacturer in F1 to boost Cadillac in 2029
He explained: “I don’t think we can go to that extreme. If the driver could use all the electrical power whenever he wanted, he would consume all the energy right out of the corners. The effects that people complain about would be even more obvious.”
According to the director, this situation would lead the cars to reach maximum speed prematurely on the straights and face an even more pronounced ‘clipping’, precisely the adversity that the teams and drivers strive to mitigate.
The entity’s representative also recalled the existence of limits to the energy that can be used and recovered in one turn, the known state of charge delta (SOC).
Tombazis said: “These limitations are there to avoid an arms race between the teams. We didn’t want it to be necessary to develop much larger batteries, which would make the cars even heavier.”
Given the extreme complexity of modern power units, Nikolas Tombazis considers that it would be almost unfeasible for a driver to manually manage all these variables throughout a lap.
He stated, “I don’t believe a human being can rationally control all of these parameters.”
Prospects for an improvement in the situation
Despite the FIA’s decision to maintain the algorithms, changes already approved for the next seasons have the potential to reduce this problem.
Learn more: Automated systems dominate cryptocurrency trading and reshape the market in 2026
Oscar Piastri expressed his conviction that not even rebalancing the power division — which will progressively reach 60% combustion and 40% electric by 2028 — will eliminate the problem, as it is intrinsically linked to the design of current engines.
Nikolas Tombazis, on the other hand, evaluates the change with greater optimism.
The director pointed out: “When there is a very large electrical component and you cannot count on the battery being fully charged throughout the entire lap, energy management becomes fundamental. I think Oscar is a very intelligent driver, but I believe he is highlighting what bothers him most at this moment.”
He added: “I believe that when we get to rebalancing, it will be a step in the right direction. Will it completely eliminate the problem? No. But it will certainly be an improvement.”
The director concluded by admitting that the current regulations made Formula 1 more complex than the International Automobile Federation wanted.