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 

The post FIA agrees refinements to 2026 Formula 1 regulations following early-season review appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Environmental Accreditation Programme is a framework designed to help motorsport and mobility stakeholders measure and enhance their environmental performance. Geobrugg has been awarded the three-star Environmental Accreditation by the FIA, making it the first circuit safety solution provider to receive the highest level of recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The three-star rating is reserved for those demonstrating best practice and a commitment to continual improvement through a robust environmental management system.

“Achieving the FIA three-star environmental accreditation is a proud moment for Geobrugg,” said Jochen Braunwarth, director of motorsport solutions at Geobrugg. “Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity. As the first safety solution provider to reach this level, we are proving that high-performance track safety and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. This recognition validates our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the world-class protection our partners expect.”

Commitment to best practice

To achieve the rating, Geobrugg underwent a comprehensive audit of its operations, evaluating 17 criteria including energy consumption, supply chain management, transportation planning and waste reduction. Key highlights of Geobrugg’s environmental strategy include resource efficiency, such as using high-tensile steel that offers superior strength with less material weight, reducing the carbon intensity of transport and installation.

Geobrugg was also assessed on its carbon reduction efforts, and praised for implementing localized production and streamlined logistics to minimize emissions across global projects, as well as a focus on a circular economy focusing on the longevity and recyclability of steel components, ensuring that safety barriers provide a multi-decade lifecycle.

Recent news, AVL and Ansible advance vehicle validation with integrated simulation and driver-in-the-loop testing

The post Geobrugg recognized with top FIA environmental accreditation appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has approved the first karting seat with roll-hoop attachment to facilitate the participation of disabled drivers in karting events.

Following approval from the World Motor Sport Council today, the fiberglass high seat features an innovative lamination developed by Vita Carbon for enhanced impact resistance. It can be used in karting races aligned to the FIA Karting Guidelines for Drivers with Disabilities document. Designed with an integrated roll hoop, the seat provides additional attachment points for competitors who require safety-belt anchoring for torso stability, offering drivers with disabilities additional support to enable them to race safely.

Development of the device was led by FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission member and paraplegic driver Fabio Visentin and Vita Carbon, with the support of the FIA safety department. It is envisaged that the seat, which is optional for drivers with disabilities competing in karting, will support a new generation of disabled racers into the entry point of motorsport.

Visentin said, “The development and testing of this new roll hoop represent a significant step forward for the safety of karters with disabilities. Ensuring that every driver can compete with the highest protection standards is our top priority. Our goal was to create a product that was not only safe and rigorously tested but also high performing, ensuring it does not interfere with the chassis’ flexibility. Karters with disabilities now have access to a product that has all these features, and I want to thank Vita Carbon for the development and the FIA for their support in this project.”

FIA safety director Nuno Costa added, “Safety should complement accessibility, and we’ve been proud to work on this project with Fabio to raise safety standards for karting drivers with disabilities. The karting high seat is a simple but important innovation that facilitates drivers to safely compete, and I hope it will provide every karting driver with disabilities with greater confidence and independence.”

As a result of today’s decision, homologated karting high seats up to 32cm have been approved with immediate effect in karting events. It is expected that they will first be deployed at races in early 2026.

In related news, WRC set for UK return with Rally Scotland

The post “Safety should complement accessibility”: Adaptive karting seat gains FIA approval appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Porsche Motorsport has provided an update on development of its next Formula E race car, which has been undergoing testing since November 2025.

The new all-electric single-seater Gen4 Porsche complies with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s fourth-generation vehicle regulations and features up to 600kW (804hp), permanent all-wheel drive, new tires and significantly increased downforce, representing the largest performance step in the series to date.

The Formula E Gen4 car is scheduled to debut in the 2026/27 season.

Porsche’s in-house vehicle components have been designed to be lighter, deliver higher performance, reduce costs and offer a longer service life. Development of this hardware package – Porsche’s most extensive package for Formula E to date – will continue until October, at which point the focus will shift to continuous software optimization. In many ways, the development cycles in the series mirror those for Porsche sports cars, albeit under extreme conditions.

“In Formula E, we primarily develop the technical components that are relevant for our production sports cars,” said Thomas Laudenbach, head of Porsche Motorsport. “That is one of the reasons why we compete in Formula E.”

With the introduction of Gen4, Porsche’s in-house development scope has expanded to include two additional components: the DC/DC converter and the brake-by-wire system.

In-house developments by Porsche to date include the operating software, pulse inverter, electric motor, gearbox, differential, drive shafts and other drivetrain components on the rear axle. Cooling, carrier and suspension components at the rear also come from Porsche.

“With the current car, the efficiency of our drivetrain is over 97%. From the battery to the wheel, less than 3% of the energy used is lost – close to perfection and a key advantage of electric drive,” said Florian Modlinger, director factory motorsport Formula E. “In our development brief for Gen4, alongside further efficiency gains in the drivetrain components, we focused on potential in terms of weight, durability and costs – similar to EVs for the road.

“At the same time, 600kW represents a 71% increase in power in Attack Mode. Overall, I believe it is fair to speak of a revolution. Seeing the car on track for the first time with its acceleration was a real pleasure. My thanks go to the development team in Flacht for this milestone in the project.”

Triple pressure: Gen3, Gen3 Evo and Gen4

By mid-January, the Gen4 Porsche had completed almost 915 test miles on the circuits of Monteblanco and Almería in Spain. A large proportion of the development and testing work, however, has taken place – and continues to take place – in the simulator.

“The concept phase began in 2024. In the same year, we moved into simulator work. The project therefore started during Season 10, when we were still racing the predecessor of the current Gen3 Evo, the Gen3,” Modlinger said. “At the time, we fought for all three titles right to the end, secured the Drivers’ Championship with Pascal – and at the same time developed the Gen3 Evo. We work in an agile way, similar to series-production projects: you run the existing vehicle, bring the facelift to market and already design the next generation. The difference is that our cycles are shorter and our budgets smaller – with maximum pressure to succeed. After all, we are contesting an FIA World Championship for Porsche.”

Porsche said that in the early testing phase, development focused on ensuring reliable operation and smooth interaction of all components. Over time, attention shifts toward performance. With Formula E’s limited test days, some findings are validated in a simulator. Porsche’s Customer team is also testing the new car ahead of FIA homologation, scheduled for the autumn.

Related news, Schneider Electric becomes McLaren Racing energy technology partner

The post Porsche provides an update on its Formula E Gen4 race car appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The sporting and technical regulations for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign have been approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris, France.

The update enhances the fan experience by replacing leader lights with multi-color LED panels on each side of the cars. These wide-angle displays will show a variety of information, with further details to be announced later.

The homologation period for Hypercar category cars has also been extended by two years until the end of the 2029 season, while the minimum driving time for competitors to score points in FIA WEC races has been reduced from 60 minutes to 45.

Additionally, moving forward, each Hypercar manufacturer must nominate two cars to score points to be counted toward the World Championship.

In related news, FIA World Motor Sport Council updates focus on sustainable mobility

The post Sporting and technical regulations approved for 2025 FIA WEC appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Following its third meeting, the FIA World Motor Sport Council has announced new regulations for sustainable energy and e-karting and minor amendments to the Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “So far, this year has been one of growth as we see partnerships and championships go from strength to strength. We have accelerated our organization’s digital transformation – empowering our members with the introduction of the cutting-edge FIA Digital Licensing Platform with an ongoing investment of over €1.6m (US$1.8m).”

Sustainable energy for all motorsport

The World Council has approved Article 266, which defines the general regulatory framework applicable to all energy sources used in FIA competitions, namely liquid fuels, electric power and hydrogen (both liquid and gaseous).

Its objective is to establish common principles that ensure safety and promote the transition toward sustainable mobility. It details specific provisions related to each energy type and is the first time this information has been made available as a singular resource.

Regulatory updates: Formula 1 

As the process of finalizing the new Concorde Governance Agreement for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship nears its conclusion, the World Council approved minor changes to the 2026 Technical Regulations. The revisions relate to the survival cell, suspension, aerodynamic components and power unit, to the Power Unit Financial Regulations and to the Operational Regulations.

The most significant of these changes relates to the ADUO concept (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), which is intended to provide greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who find themselves significantly behind their competition in terms of performance. Performance will be measured between all power units continuously, and after Races 6, 12 and 18 ADUO could be allocated to address such a situation.

Rally commission

The World Council has approved the creation of an RC6 class for Rally6 Group cars – an entry level specification designed to be as cost effective as possible, particularly in terms of the running costs. These vehicles will be based on: a four-seater, two-wheel drive ICE car; standard 1.6T or 2.0 NA engine with competition ECU; power-to-weight ratio of 7.5kg/hp (e.g. 1,050kg/140hp),H-pattern gearbox, production brakes and tires; non-adjustable competition shock absorbers; and safety level equivalent to Rally5-Kit.

Karting

Karting has additional technical and homologation regulations for junior and senior e-karting, expanding upon the existing e-karting technical regulations.

Junior and senior classes are limited to 60V, with centrally positioned batteries. Following extensive testing, the FIA will now homologate electric drivetrains, with power capped at 23kW for junior and 28kW for senior classes.

Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting commission president, said, “E-karting presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of global karting and these regulations will unlock fresh possibilities for events and championships around the world. With the launch of new e-karting classes, the inaugural Arrive and Drive Continental Championships and the largest FIA Karting calendar to date, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for karting.”

In related news, Mopar joins Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for 2026 WEC

The post FIA World Motor Sport Council updates focus on sustainable mobility appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The FIA World Rally Championship Commission has revealed an updated version of its WRC27 technical regulations – to be presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month – which include a new chapter relating to bodywork. This includes requirements for sustainable materials, homologation criteria and the definition and shape of inner volumes, with freedom surrounding this volume to allow manufacturers and constructors to create their designs with unprecedented levels of flexibility.

The updated WRC27 regulations were discussed at a meeting on May 8 –  held via videoconference and chaired by commission president Pernilla Solberg – that followed discussions at the sporting and technical working group level, as well as between all current manufacturers, the FIA and World Rally Championship (WRC) promoter.

Technical regulations for 2027

Drafted details of the technical regulations for 2027 were presented to the commission, specifically regarding how areas of cars outlined within the regulations are defined, and the reorganization of the articles relating to the engine control system and electronics.

The inclusion of a new chapter relating to bodywork is a core feature of WRC27 and one that is designed to encourage both manufacturers and constructors to compete in the series.

The meeting also announced that chassis study and crash test simulations are already ongoing, and the anticipated dates for real-world crash tests are in July and August of this year.

These refinements are currently being finalized and will be presented to the commission for approval before the final approval at the World Motor Sport Council in June.

Solberg said, “We have had a strong start to the 2025 WRC season across a fantastic range of different events, and the work has been equally strong between these events in our working groups to make progress across key areas of our regulations and safety matters.

“The refinements we are working through on the WRC27 technical regulations will allow us to make more detailed communication in the coming months about the exciting new era that was defined at the end of last year.”

Update on sustainable fuel tender for 2026-2028

The FIA Technical Department also presented an update on the progress of the tender for the single-supply of sustainable fuel to the FIA WRC from 2026-2028, with the submissions currently under analysis by the Commission. A further session is planned for the coming weeks before the final proposal is submitted for approval to the next World Motor Sport Council in June.

In related news, ructions in the upper echelons of the FIA have continued, with the resignation of the deputy president for motorsport, Robert Reid. Click here to read the full story

The post WRC Commission’s draft WRC 2027 regulations feature a new bodywork chapter appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Ructions in the upper echelons of the FIA continue with the resignation of the deputy president for motorsport, Robert Reid.

In a robust statement circulated via his social media accounts, Reid said, “After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign as FIA deputy president for sport. I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance, and more collaborative leadership.

“Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them.

“Stepping away was not easy, however staying would have meant compromising what I believe in. This is about principles, not politics.

“Motorsport deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and respect for process. That’s the minimum standard we should all expect and demand.”

Reid’s resignation follows considerable disquiet from senior members of the motorsport community, which came to a head recently when several members of the WMSC were barred from a recent meeting after not signing a new non-disclosure agreement. This drew criticism from Motorsport UK head David Richards, who threatened legal action.

In an open letter to Motorsport UK members in early March, Richards wrote, “For some time now I’ve had concerns about the erosion of accountability and good governance within the FIA. As you may have seen in the press, an issue has recently emerged that has compelled me to take a stand and needs an explanation.”

The main direction of Richard’s argument centred on promises made during FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s election campaign around the method of governance the FIA would adopt, particularly on the matter of transparency.

Richards continued, “I’m afraid that over the last three years there has been a distinct failure to meet these promises. In fact, the situation has progressively worsened with media reports confirming that numerous senior members of the FIA and volunteer officials have either been fired or have resigned under an opaque cloud.

“Furthermore, the scope of the Audit and Ethics Committees has been severely limited and now lacks autonomy from the authority of the President, while our UK representative, who challenged certain matters, was summarily removed along with the Chair of the Audit Committee.

“Various techniques have also been deployed with the effect of limiting the proper function of the World Motor Sport Council, primarily the use of e-voting which removes the opportunity for much needed discussion and debate on key subjects.”

FIA general manager Alberto Villarreal submitted a letter in response to Richards, which effectively dismissed his concerns around transparency and accountability, and highlighted the FIA’s work of the past three years.

In a further written response on April 9, Richards stated, “What is disappointing in this letter from Alberto is the disregard for the very real concerns that have been expressed, not just by myself, but a growing number of people, that the governance and constitutional organisation of the FIA is becoming ever more opaque and concentrating power in the hands of the President alone.”

The post FIA’s Robert Reid resigns over ‘lack of transparency in motorsport governance’ appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The fourth edition of the Sustainable Championship Index (SChI), part of the Sustainable Motorsport Index, has been published by Enovation Consulting, in partnership with Professor Paolo Taticchi, professor of strategy and sustainability at UCL School of Management.

The index ranks 92, two- and four-wheel global racing series based on 25 motorsport industry specific sustainability criteria across six categories, using what Enovation says is a well-established benchmark.

The data collection and analysis for the SChI were conducted by Enovation Consulting between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024, under the guidance of Professor Taticchi to ensure research and analytical rigor.

The 2025 edition of the SChI sees Formula E retain its position at the head of the table, with Formula 1 in second place and MotoGP in third.

The FIA European Rallycross Championship, FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rallycross gained the most points year on year, demonstrating the elevation of their sustainability credentials.

The Asian Le Mans Series moved up 49 places in the index, with the FIM Speedway of Nations, the FIM Speedway Under 21 World Championship, and the European Le Mans Series all improving their rankings by 46 places.

The post Formula E tops Sustainable Championship Index 2025 appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The FIA has launched a new program to provide mentorship opportunities to disabled people in motorsport.

The organization says the program is designed to build a sense of community and global connection, increase awareness of disabled people in motorsport and facilitate personal and professional growth. Less experienced individuals – mentees – will be paired with more experienced peers – mentors – connecting individuals and enhancing confidence through these relationships.

There are 50 seats available on the program. Applications will open on February 6 and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on their career interests, skills, knowledge, experience, disabilities and wider skill set. Providing resources and clear guidelines, the FIA will help mentors and mentees build successful relationships that accelerate all-round development.

The program will be hosted online. Participants will connect through a digital platform, allowing for flexible and accessible interaction regardless of location, with the online nature ensuring ease of scheduling and resource sharing.

Nathalie McGloin, FIA disability and accessibility commission president, said, “The DAA [Disability & Accessibility Commission] was created to ensure accessible racing and motoring, to promote knowledge sharing and best practices, and to champion inclusivity and representation.

“I’m proud to be part of the launch of this next step in the FIA’s commitment to accessibility and diversity, and look forward to seeing these mentorship partnerships flourish.”

Those who want to register an interest can follow this link: https://forms.office.com/e/nHyLFCHXFV

The post FIA launches mentorship program for disabled people in motorsport appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.