The FIA, together with teams, power unit manufacturers and Formula One Management, reached a unanimous agreement on refinements to the Fórmula 1 regulations for 2026. The changes were defined following meetings in recent weeks and based on data from the first three races of the season. Most take effect from Grande Prêmio of Miami, scheduled for early May.
The adjustments focus mainly on energy management, with the aim of allowing more consistent driving in qualifying and greater safety in races. Pilotos and technicians contributed opinions throughout the process.
Mudanças in qualification seeks more constant performance
The energy parameters in the qualifying session undergo specific adjustments. The maximum recharge allowed per turn drops from 8 MJ to 7 MJ. This is expected to reduce excessive regeneration and limit superclip time to around 2 to 4 seconds per lap.
Maximum power during the superclip increases from 250 kW to 350 kW. Essa measure decreases time spent on recharges and eases the power management burden for pilots. The number of events where a lower alternative energy limit applies increases from 8 to 12, which provides more flexibility depending on the characteristics of each circuit.
- Recarga maximum per turn reduced to 7 MJ
- Potência peak at superclip raised to 350 kW
- Duração maximum superclip estimated at 2 to 4 seconds
- Limite alternative energy bottom expanded to 12 events
Essas modifications aim to balance performance without compromising the essence of the new technical regulation.
Ajustes in the race prioritize consistency and security
In the race itself, the maximum power available via boost is limited to +150 kW, or the current level of the car at the time of activation, if higher. The objective is to minimize sudden differences in performance between competitors.
The MGU-K system maintains 350 kW in the main acceleration zones, which go from the corner exit to the braking point, including overtaking areas. Fora of these zones, the power drops to 250 kW. Essa segment division of the lap seeks to preserve passing opportunities while controlling approach speeds.
Those involved considered data collected in the first stages of 2026 to define the limits.
Novo system detects starts with low acceleration
The starts receive additional safety mechanisms. An underpowered start detection system identifies cars that accelerate abnormally slowly shortly after the clutch is released. Nesses cases, the MGU-K is automatically activated to ensure minimal acceleration.
The device does not create a sporting advantage. Affected Carros activate flashing rear and side lights to alert vehicles behind. A mechanism also resets the energy counter at the start of the formation lap, correcting previous inconsistencies.
Essas changes will be tested over the Miami weekend before possible final adoption.
Medidas for rain improves grip and visibility
In wet track conditions, the temperature of the intermediate layer of intermediate wet tires increases based on feedback from drivers. The intention is to increase the initial grip and overall performance of the compounds.
The maximum ERS deployment time is reduced, which limits torque and helps control the car in low grip. The rear light system is simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual signals to improve the reaction time of competitors behind.
Esses points seek to increase the level of safety when rain appears.
Propostas proceeds to final approval of Conselho Mundial
The changes agreed on April 20 will now go to electronic voting in the FIA’s Conselho Mundial and Automobilismo. Most of it is expected to be implemented before the Miami GP, with the exception of those related to the starts, which will be tested at the event.
The process involved extensive consultation between the FIA, teams, manufacturers and FOM. The refinements respond to practical observations from the first races of the 2026 season.
Organizers monitor the impact of changes in the next stages. Fórmula 1 continues with the scheduled schedule, and Grande Prêmio of Japão continues with live broadcast.