The governing body of Formula 1, the FIA, has announced a series of adjustments to the sport's regulations for the 2026 season, aimed at addressing driver concerns regarding safety and competition. These changes were agreed upon during a meeting attended by F1 representatives, team principals, and engine manufacturers. The revisions include modifications to energy harvesting and deployment limits during qualifying, intended to enable drivers to drive more aggressively and reduce the need for lifting and coasting. Similar adjustments have been made for races, including limits on power deployment in corners to enhance safety.
Additionally, the start procedure will be modified, with a focus on improving safety by minimizing the risk of cars that struggle to get underway posing a hazard to other drivers. The FIA has also introduced changes to the regulations for wet weather conditions, prioritizing safety. These updates 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 FIA stated that these refinements were the result of consultations with technical representatives and input from F1 drivers, based on data gathered from the first three events of the 2026 season.
The revisions aim to address driver feedback and concerns, including those raised by four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has been critical of the racing produced by the new regulations. Other drivers, such as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, have praised the wheel-to-wheel action, but also provided feedback on qualifying and safety.
The changes are set to be implemented ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, with final approval from the World Motor Sport Council expected to be a formality.