Formula 1 governing body, the FIA, has announced a series of adjustments to the 2026 regulations, aimed at addressing driver concerns regarding safety and competition. The changes, agreed upon during a meeting attended by F1 stakeholders, team principals, and engine manufacturers, are designed to encourage more aggressive driving. Key revisions include modifications to energy harvesting and deployment limits during qualifying, as well as the introduction of measures to enhance safety during races, such as capping boosts and limiting power deployment in corners. Additionally, the start procedure will undergo trials at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, focusing on improving safety for cars that struggle to get off the line.
The FIA has also introduced changes to regulations for wet weather conditions, prioritizing safety. These revisions follow the introduction of new power units and chassis, which have increased electrical power to a 50-50 split with internal combustion engines. The FIA statement emphasized that the refinements were the result of consultations with technical representatives and extensive input from F1 drivers, with discussions informed by data from the first three events of the 2026 season. The adjustments come after drivers, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen, expressed dissatisfaction with the new regulations, while others, such as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, have praised the exciting wheel-to-wheel action.