The FIA and Formula 1 presented a series of changes to the competition regulations aimed at improving performance in qualifying sessions, reducing the ‘superclip’ effect, and enhancing safety by reducing speed differentials during races. Other adjustments include changes related to starts and wet conditions, most of which will be implemented at the Miami Grand Prix, pending approval in a subsequent vote.
These changes resulted from a virtual meeting attended by FIA members, team principals, and the CEOs of the power unit manufacturers. According to a statement from the FIA, consultations held in recent weeks with F1 engineers and drivers were taken into account.
“A series of adjustments to the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship regulations were agreed upon today during an online meeting between the FIA, Team Principals, Power Unit Manufacturers’ Executive Directors, and FOM.
“The final proposals presented during today’s meeting were the result of a series of consultations held over the past few weeks between the FIA and technical representatives, and incorporated extensive input from F1 drivers.
“The deliberations on the potential adjustments were based on data collected during the first three events of the 2026 season.
“The 2026 regulations were developed and agreed upon in close collaboration with the FIA, the teams, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the Power Unit Manufacturers, and FOM. The changes to the regulations were discussed within the framework of that collaboration.
” “The proposals agreed upon today are as follows and will be implemented starting with the Miami Grand Prix, with the exception of the changes related to the race start, which will be tested in Miami and adopted after a period of analysis and evaluation of the feedback received.
“Adjustments have been made to the energy management parameters, including a reduction in the maximum permitted recharge from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, with the aim of decreasing excessive energy recovery and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving. This change seeks to reduce the maximum duration of the ‘superclip’ to approximately 2 to 4 seconds per lap.
” “The maximum power output of the ‘superclip’ has been increased to 350 kW—up from the previous 250 kW—further reducing refueling time and lightening the driver’s workload in terms of energy management. This measure will also be applied during race conditions.
“The number of events where lower alternative energy limits can be applied has been expanded from 8 to 12 races, allowing for greater adaptation to the specific characteristics of each circuit.
” Race: Improved Safety and Performance Consistency
“The maximum power available through the ‘Boost’ system under race conditions is now limited to +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at the time of activation, if higher), in order to limit sudden performance differences.
“The MGU-K power delivery remains at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones), but will be limited to 250 kW on the rest of the track.
“These measures are designed to reduce excessive approach speeds between cars, while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics.
“A new ‘low power exit detection’ system has been developed, capable of identifying cars exhibiting abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release.
” “In such cases, an automatic MGU-K deployment will be activated to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and mitigate the risks associated with the start, without providing any sporting advantage.
“Additionally, an associated visual warning system is being introduced, which activates flashing lights (rear and side) on the affected cars to alert drivers behind.
“These final proposals will now be submitted to an electronic vote by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), with a view to their implementation before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3rd; the only exception is the proposals relating to race starts, which will be tested and analyzed during that same weekend.”
