The FIA has confirmed that, after a meeting between itself, Formula 1, its Team Principals and engine manufacturers’ CEOs, it will implement “refinements” to the sport’s much-maligned new technical regulations.
F1 in 2026 has begun under a cloud, formed by the largely negative views aired by many drivers regarding the new ruleset, which sees cars now powered by 50-50 hybrids.
With a number of top drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, voicing their discontent to a large degree in various public forums, as well as further concerns promulgated after the Japanese Grand Prix, in which Oliver Bearman heavily crashed after needing to avoid a harvesting car in Franco Colapinto’s Alpine.
The danger aspect has placed a further element of the new rulebook, adding to the pre-existing criticisms of synthetic racing and high overtake numbers in races, due to the constant battery management drivers have to contend with lap-by-lap.
A meeting between the relevant figureheads would have no doubt been watched tentatively by the 22 men who occupy this year’s grid, as well as many fans, who have also stated their displeasure in their droves.
And the meeting concluded with a wide range of changes, agreed upon after data gathered from the first three Grands Prix.
Prior to the release of the changes, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem thanked the involved parties for “constructive and collaborative work carried out in such a short space of time.”
“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula One,” he added.
“More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process.
“Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities.
“These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition.
“We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”
The changes to F1 agreed after the FIA meeting
View the full list of changes below:
Qualifying
- Adjustments to energy management parameters, including a reduction in maximum permitted recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ, aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving. This change targets a maximum superclip duration reduced to approximately 2-4 seconds per lap.
- Peak superclip power increased to 350 kW, previously being 250kW, further reducing the time spent recharging, and reducing driver workload on energy management. This will also be applied in Race conditions.
- The number of events where alternative lower energy limits may apply has been increased from 8 to 12 races, allowing greater adaptation to circuit characteristics.
Race
- The maximum power available through the Boost in race conditions is now capped at +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at activation if higher) limiting sudden performance differentials.
- MGU-K deployment is maintained at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250 kW in other parts of the lap.
- These measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics.
Race starts
- A new “low power start detection” system has been developed, capable of identifying cars with abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release.
- In such cases, an automatic MGU-K deployment will be triggered to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and mitigate start-related risks without introducing any sporting advantage.
- An associated visual warning system is being introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and lateral) on affected cars to alert following drivers.
- A reset of the energy counter at the start of the formation lap has also been implemented to correct a previously identified system inconsistency.
Wet conditions
- Tyre blanket temperatures for intermediate tyres have been increased following driver feedback in order to improve initial grip and tyre performance in wet conditions.
- Maximum ERS deployment will be reduced, limiting torque and improving car control in low-grip conditions.
- The rear light systems have been simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual cues to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions.
The changes will be put to an e-vote with a view to being fully implemented prior to the Miami Grand Prix next weekend, with the exception of the race start changes, which will be trialled during the race weekend.
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