The FIA introduces urgent changes to the 2026 regulations to improve the spectacle and safety after the rejection of drivers and teams.
The International Automobile Federation announced a series of adjustments to the Formula 1 regulations after widespread criticism from drivers and teams of the new rules implemented this season.
The modifications, which will come into force from the Miami Grand Prix at the beginning of May, seek to improve performance in qualifying and reduce risks in the race, especially after several incidents in the first tests of the year.
Verstappen leads the criticism
The current champion, Max Verstappen, was one of the most forceful when describing the new regulations as “a joke” after the Chinese Grand Prix, and even left open the possibility of taking a break in 2027 if no changes were applied.
The new 2026 regulations, focused on greater electrification and lighter cars, have generated division among both drivers and fans.
Key technical changes
Among the most important modifications are:
Reduction of “super clipping” time to between 2 and 4 seconds per lap
Increase in maximum power from 250 kW to 350 kW
Limitation of the overtaking system (boost) to 150 kW during the race
These measures seek to reduce the excess energy management that was affecting the rhythm and the spectacle on the track.
Security in focus
Oliver Bearman’s accident at the Japanese Grand Prix revived the debate about safety, as it was related to the energy management of hybrid cars.
Divided postures in the paddock
From Mercedes, its director Toto Wolff asked for caution in the face of radical changes:
“You have to act with a scalpel, not with a baseball bat.”
Its drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, have had a solid start to the season, which explains their more conservative stance.
A calendar marked by uncertainty
The Miami GP will mark the return of Formula 1 after a forced five-week break, caused by the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the situation in the Middle East.
