The FIA, Formula 1, teams and power unit manufacturers unanimously agreed on adjustments to the 2026 regulations following a meeting on Monday. The changes focus on energy management to make qualifying more competitive and enhance safety. Most updates will take effect from the Miami Grand Prix onward.
The FIA held a key meeting on Monday with Formula 1, team principals, technical chiefs and power unit manufacturers to refine the 2026 technical regulations after the first three rounds. Broad consensus emerged on improving qualifying performance and safety, particularly following high closing speeds in Oliver Bearman’s crash in Japan. Major overhauls were ruled out, as officials noted no core racing issues despite some yo-yo racing complaints. All changes require only World Motor Sport Council approval. The primary adjustments target energy recovery and deployment. Super clipping limits rise from 250 kilowatts to 350 kilowatts starting in Miami, allowing more energy recovery at full throttle—a tweak McLaren's Andrea Stella had pushed for earlier. Qualifying energy harvesting drops from 8 megajoules to 7 megajoules, aiming to limit super clipping to 2-4 seconds per lap and push drivers closer to the edge. Deployment stays at 350 kilowatts in key zones but falls to 250 kilowatts elsewhere, with race boost capped at +150 kilowatts to curb excessive closing speeds while preserving overtakes. Additional measures address race starts and wet conditions. A new low power start detection system will test in Miami, triggering automatic MGU-K deployment and flashing lights for slow-accelerating cars to prevent pile-ups without gaining advantage. Wet weather safety improves via hotter intermediate tyre blankets, reduced ERS deployment and simplified rear lights. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the collaborative effort. “Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities,” he said, thanking teams, drivers and manufacturers. Mercedes' Toto Wolff called for a “scalpel, not a baseball bat,” while Max Verstappen eyes bigger 2027 changes.
