Formula 1 tested modifications to its 2026 regulations at the Miami Grand Prix, prompting varied reactions from drivers. While some saw progress in qualifying, concerns persisted over racing dynamics and energy management. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli won the race amid ongoing debates.
Formula 1 introduced tweaks to its 2026 rules ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, including lowering the energy harvesting limit from eight to seven megajoules in qualifying and increasing super clipping to 350 kilowatts. These changes aimed to improve safety, spectacle, and predictability following criticism of the new smaller cars and hybrid power units with a near-50:50 electric-combustion split. The modifications followed a five-week break and debuted at the US race, where Kimi Antonelli claimed victory for Mercedes after battling Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in 'yo-yo racing' exchanges, as termed by McLaren race engineer Will Joseph. Lando Norris finished second, with his teammate Oscar Piastri offering mixed feedback. Norris, the reigning champion, called it a 'small step in the right direction' but said drivers still get 'penalised' for pushing flat out. 'You still can't be flat out everywhere,' Norris said after the race. Piastri noted the harvest limit reduction helped qualifying but races remained unchanged, warning of huge closing speed differences that made defending 'incredibly tough,' echoing issues from Oliver Bearman’s crash in Japan. Leclerc acknowledged slight improvements: 'It was a step in the right direction,' though battles did not change massively. Max Verstappen, a vocal critic labeling the rules 'Formula E on steroids,' remained unsatisfied: 'It's still not how I would like to see it. The faster you go through corners you go slower on the next straight.' Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praised the 'spectacular' race as a 'great advertisement' for F1, urging critics to 'hide.' Other drivers like Cadillac's Sergio Perez and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto saw it as progress, despite lap times 1.5 seconds slower than 2025. Piastri credited FIA-F1 collaboration but called for future changes. The FIA is reportedly eyeing 2027 engine rules, potentially reducing electric reliance, with a decision due by mid-May.
