In a bid to address driver concerns over safety and competition, Formula 1 governing body, the FIA, has introduced a series of regulatory tweaks for the 2026 season. The changes, agreed upon during a meeting with team principals, engine manufacturers, and the FIA, aim to encourage more aggressive driving by reducing the need for drivers to lift and coast. Key amendments include adjustments to energy harvesting and deployment limits during qualifying and races, as well as the introduction of caps on boosts and limits to power deployment in corners to enhance safety. Additionally, the start procedure will undergo trials at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, focusing on improving safety by minimizing hazards caused by cars that struggle to get off the line.
The FIA has also revised regulations for wet weather conditions, prioritizing safety. These changes follow the introduction of new power units and chassis, which have increased electrical power to achieve a 50-50 split with internal combustion engines. The revisions were made in response to driver feedback and data analysis from the first three events of the 2026 season.
Notably, the changes come after a significant crash involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman and criticism from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who expressed dissatisfaction with the racing produced by the new regulations. Other drivers, such as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, have praised the exciting wheel-to-wheel action. The updated regulations are set to be formally approved by the World Motor Sport Council ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, which takes place on May 1-3.