The Formula 1 Commission held its first meeting of 2026 on February 18 in Bahrain, agreeing on refinements to the regulations that will be referred to the World Motor Sport Council for approval. Discussions focused on driver feedback from pre-season testing, highlighting positive aspects of the new cars while committing to further evaluations. Separate talks addressed power unit compliance and potential increases in sprint events.
The meeting, chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula One Management President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, took place amid pre-season testing in Bahrain. Participants, including teams, power unit manufacturers, the FIA, and Formula One Management, committed to addressing technical aspects before the season opener in Melbourne next month.
Driver feedback, gathered through an FIA survey, covered car characteristics, energy and power units, aerodynamics, overtaking, racing, tyres, and mechanical grip. Positive responses noted the reduced weight and smaller dimensions of the 2026 cars, with drivers agreeing on improved ride quality and stronger initial acceleration. No immediate major regulatory changes were deemed necessary, as initial data remains preliminary, to avoid instability ahead of the first race. Further reviews will follow as more information emerges.
Additional evaluations on energy management will occur during the second pre-season test in Bahrain over the next three days. Constructive discussions on the race start procedure led to plans for testing updates to race systems and on-car management during the current Bahrain session.
On commercial matters, the commission discussed increasing sprint events to up to 12, driven by demand from fans and promoters.
In a related development from the F1 Power Unit Advisory Committee, a methodology was developed to assess compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions. A proposal requires compliance demonstration at a 130°C operating temperature starting August 1, 2026, in addition to ambient conditions. This proposal has been submitted for a vote among power unit manufacturers, with results expected within 10 days.
All regulatory changes remain subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
