After just three races, the FIA is forced to adjust Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations. Changes to qualifying, races, starts, and wet-weather driving are now expected ahead of Miami.
Formula 1’s controversial 2026 regulations are being adjusted before the season has even properly settled in.
Following a digital meeting on Monday between the FIA, team principals, engine manufacturers, and Formula One Management, the parties have agreed on several changes to both the sporting and technical regulations. According to the FIA, the decisions are based on data from the season’s first three rounds, as well as feedback from the drivers.
The adjustments are intended to reduce the need for energy saving, improve safety, and make the cars more predictable for the drivers. Most of the changes are planned to be introduced ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, while the new solutions for race starts will first be tested during the race weekend.
Less energy saving and fewer artificial speed differences
One of the most significant changes concerns qualifying, where the FIA wants to reduce the portion of driving characterized by recharging and energy management.
The maximum permitted recharge is reduced from 8 to 7 MJ, while the superclip power is increased from 250 to 350 kW. The goal is to allow drivers to drive more consistently on full attack, instead of being forced to spend too much of the lap recovering energy.
The number of races where a lower energy limit may be used also increases from eight to twelve, providing greater flexibility depending on track type.
Changes are also being made to the races. The extra boost power is now limited to a maximum of +150 kW, while MGU-K power is maintained at 350 kW in key acceleration zones but reduced to 250 kW on other parts of the lap.
The idea is to reduce excessively large speed differences between the cars, without eliminating overtaking opportunities.
New start systems and changes for wet conditions
The FIA is also introducing a new safety system for starts. It will be able to detect cars that experience abnormally low acceleration immediately after clutch release.
If this occurs, the car can automatically receive assistance from the MGU-K system to reach a minimum acceleration level. According to the FIA, this will not provide any sporting advantage, but will simply reduce the risk of dangerous situations on the start-finish straight.
At the same time, visual warnings with flashing lights at the rear and on the sides of the car are being introduced to warn following drivers. The FIA is also correcting a previously identified inconsistency in the energy system by changing how the energy meter is handled before the formation lap.
The rules for wet-weather driving are also being reviewed. The temperature in the tire warmers for intermediate tires is increased following driver feedback, to provide better grip immediately in wet conditions. At the same time, maximum ERS usage is reduced to make the cars easier to control when grip is low.
In addition, the cars’ rear light system is being simplified, so that signals to following drivers will be clearer in poor visibility.
The new proposals will now be formally approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council through an electronic vote. If all goes according to plan, the changes will take effect before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. The exception is the start regulations, which will first be tested and analyzed during the race weekend.
