Following today’s meeting between the FIA, Team Principals, CEOs of Power Unit Manufacturers and FOM, a number of “refinements” to the 2026 regulations have been announced.
The final proposals presented, which, it is understood, were unanimously agreed upon, were the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA, technical representatives and extensive input from F1 drivers.
Discussions around potential adjustments were based on data gathered from the first three events of the 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 today were as follows and will be implemented from Miami apart from the race start changes that will be tested in Miami and adopted following feedback and analysis.
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.
These final proposals will now be put before a FIA WMSC e-vote with a view to implementation before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, except for the race starts proposals which will be tested and analysed during that weekend.