FIA announces several regulation changes with immediate effect
Published on 21 April 2026 by Kees-Jan Koster
The FIA has announced that a number of regulation changes will be introduced at the next Grand Prix in Miami. These changes are the result of intensive discussions with Formula 1 team principals, CEOs of engine manufacturers, the FOM, and extensive input from the F1 drivers.
The reason for these regulation changes includes significant criticism voiced by both fans and drivers during the first three Grand Prix weekends of the season, where energy management played a central role. There were also several dangerous moments, such as at the start in Melbourne when Liam Lawson failed to get off the line and the oncoming Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided him. The same Colapinto lost power on a straight in Suzuka, after which Oliver Bearman had to evade the Alpine and was fortunate to walk away uninjured from the heavy crash that followed.
In terms of qualifying, the focus is on promoting performance. The rules surrounding energy management are being adjusted. The maximum amount of energy that can be recovered is being reduced from 8 MJ to 7 MJ. This is intended to prevent excessive energy harvesting and ensure that drivers can push flat out for longer. At the same time, the duration of so-called “superclipping” is being reduced to approximately 2 to 4 seconds per lap.
In return, the peak superclip power is being increased from 250 kW to 350 kW. This means drivers will spend less time recharging energy and the complexity of energy management will be reduced. This change will also apply during the race. Additionally, the number of races in which lower energy limits may apply is being increased from eight to twelve, allowing better adaptation to the characteristics of different circuits.
For the races themselves, the focus is on safety and consistent performance. The additional power provided via the so-called “Boost” mode will be limited to a maximum of +150 kW (or the car’s current power at the moment of activation, if that is higher). This is intended to prevent large speed differentials between cars.
The deployment of the MGU-K will remain at 350 kW during crucial acceleration moments, such as when exiting corners and in overtaking zones, but will be reduced to 250 kW on other parts of the circuit. These measures are designed to prevent excessive closing speeds, while still maintaining overtaking opportunities.
The start procedure is also being revised with safety in mind. A new system will be introduced that detects cars abnormally low acceleration after the clutch is released. In such cases, additional power via the MGU-K will be automatically deployed to guarantee a minimum level of acceleration and prevent dangerous situations at the start, without providing a sporting advantage.
In addition, a visual warning system will be introduced: cars with a poor start will display flashing lights (at the rear and on the sides), so that following drivers can immediately see that something is wrong. The energy counter will also be reset at the start of the formation lap to correct a previously identified system issue.
There are also adjustments for wet conditions. The temperature of the tyre blankets for intermediate tyres will be increased so that the tyres reach operating temperature more quickly and provide more grip. At the same time, the maximum deployment of the ERS system will be reduced, limiting torque and making the car more controllable on a wet track.
Finally, the rear light systems will be simplified, with clearer and more consistent signals. This should improve visibility and increase the reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions.
The regulation changes mentioned above still need to be approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, although this is normally a formality. Most of the new measures will come into effect from the Miami Grand Prix, except for the adjustments to the start procedure. These will first be tested during that weekend and only implemented permanently afterwards, based on feedback and analysis.
