The FIA, team principals, CEOs of power unit manufacturers and FOM have agreed several refinements to the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship regulations. The final proposals presented were the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA and technical representatives, with extensive input from F1 drivers.
Discussions around potential adjustments were based on data gathered from the first three events of the 2026 season.
The 2026 regulations were developed and agreed in close partnership with the FIA, teams, OEMs, power unit manufacturers and FOM. Changes to the regulations were discussed against the backdrop of this collaboration.
The proposals agreed will be implemented after the Miami race, apart from the race start changes, which will be tested in Miami and adopted following feedback and analysis.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “I would like to praise everyone across the Formula 1 ecosystem – the FIA staff, teams, drivers and the power unit manufacturers – for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short space of time.”
Qualifying
Adjustments to energy management parameters, including a reduction in maximum permitted recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ, are aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving. This change targets a maximum superclip duration reduced to approximately 2-4 seconds per lap.
Peak superclip power has been increased from 250kW to 350kW, cutting recharging time and reducing driver workload on energy management. This will also be applied in race conditions.
The number of events where alternative lower energy limits may apply has been increased from eight to 12 races, allowing greater adaptation to circuit characteristics.
The race
The maximum power available through the boost in race conditions is now capped at +150kW (or the car’s current power level at activation if higher), limiting sudden performance differentials.
MGU-K deployment is maintained at 350kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250kW in other parts of the lap.
These measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics.
Race starts
A new ‘low-power start detection’ system has been developed, capable of identifying cars with abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release.
In such cases, an automatic MGU-K deployment will be triggered to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and mitigate start-related risks without introducing any sporting advantage.
An associated visual warning system is being introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and lateral) on affected cars to alert following drivers.
A reset of the energy counter at the start of the formation lap has also been implemented to correct a previously identified system inconsistency.
Wet conditions
Tire blanket temperatures for intermediate tires have been increased following driver feedback, to improve initial grip and tire performance in wet conditions.
Maximum ERS deployment will be reduced, limiting torque and improving car control in low-grip conditions.
The rear-light systems have been simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual cues to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions.
These final proposals will now be put before an FIA WMSC e-vote.
“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula 1,” said Sulayem. “More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process. Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities. These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition. We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”
In related news, a technical restructure at Red Bull Racing aims to strengthen performance and development
