Updated: FIA confirms proposed changes to F1 2026 rules for Miami Grand Prix

The FIA has confirmed that a number of changes are set to be made to the F1 2026 rules ahead of the resumption of the new season in Miami next month.

Formula 1’s stakeholders met on Monday to discuss changes to the F1 2026 rules after the opening three races of the season.

FIA confirms mid-season F1 2026 rule changes

Despite producing exciting racing, the new rules have been criticised in some quarters for being too artificial, with Oliver Bearman’s accident at last month’s Japanese Grand Prix raising safety concerns with the regulations.

The FIA acknowledged that the increased closing speeds of the F1 2026 cars, which see some cars deploying energy while others are harvesting, was a contributing factor in Bearman’s accident.

As revealed by PlanetF1.com last Saturday, the FIA enjoyed a productive meeting with drivers on Friday before meeting with the sport’s fellow stakeholders – including F1’s commercial arm Formula One Management, the teams and power unit manufacturers – on Monday.

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In a statement provided to PlanetF1.com on Monday, the FIA confirmed the changes set to come into effect from the next race in Miami on May 3.

The full statement read as follows:

A number of refinements to the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship regulations were agreed today during an online meeting between the FIA, Team Principals, CEOs of Power Unit Manufacturers and FOM.

The final proposals presented during today’s meeting 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 2026 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.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the “constructive and collaborative” work by those involved.

In a statement issued to PlanetF1.com, Ben Sulayem said: “I would like to praise everyone across the Formula 1 ecosystem – the FIA staff, teams, drivers and the Power Unit Manufacturers – for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short space of time.

“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula One.

“More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process.

“Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities.

“These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition.

“We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”

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