Following vocal backlash from drivers and fans, several refinements are being made to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. These were agreed upon during an online meeting with the FIA, Team Principals, CEOs of Power Unit Manufacturers and FOM on Monday.
The final proposals are the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA, technical representatives, and extensive input from F1 drivers. Data gathered from the first three races of the 2026 season in Australia, China, and Japan was also used to figure out these alterations.
These come into force starting with the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. How much of a difference it will make to the on-track action remains to be seen, as does whether this will be enough to keep an unhappy Max Verstappen in the sport.
Here's a full breakdown:
Qualifying - promoting performance
Adjustments to energy management parameters, including a reduction in maximum permitted recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ, 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 increased to 350 kW, previously being 250kW, further reducing the time spent recharging, 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 8 to 12 races, allowing greater adaptation to circuit characteristics.
Race - improved safety and consistency of performance
The maximum power available through the Boost in race conditions is now capped at +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at activation if higher), limiting sudden performance differentials. MGU-K deployment is maintained at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250 kW 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 - enhanced safety mechanisms
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 – improving safety and visibility
Tyre blanket temperatures for intermediate tyres have been increased following driver feedback in order to improve initial grip and tyre 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.
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, 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."
"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 One. 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," he continued. "We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season."
We'll have a better idea of what to expect from these regulation changes when Formula 1 arrives in America at the start of May, so keep checking back here for updates as we have them.