F1 Commission considers 12 Sprint races following “strong fan support”. Fans could see up to 12 Sprint races as F1 Commission considers increase.

2026 F1 regulations: Commission confirms no major immediate changes, Sprint races could rise to 12

The Formula 1 Commission has clarified that the 2026 regulations will not undergo significant changes at this stage, while discussions continue about the possibility of increasing the number of Sprint races to 12.

Mercedes engine under review, no immediate changes

For now, the 2026 Formula 1 regulations remain largely unchanged. The F1 Commission, which met for the first time this year in Bahrain, confirmed that the core rule set will stay intact. A vote is scheduled for next week on introducing a new hot compression measurement system for engines, rather than relying solely on ambient temperature checks—an issue that has been at the center of pre-season discussions.

Even if the Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC) votes in favor of the new system, any regulatory changes would only take effect from August, after the Formula 1 summer break.

FIA statement from the F1 Commission

“A constructive discussion took place among all teams, following initial feedback collected from drivers via an FIA survey. Topics covered included general car characteristics, energy management and the power unit, aerodynamics, overtaking and race dynamics, as well as tires and mechanical grip. Drivers expressed positive opinions on the reduced weight and smaller dimensions of the 2026 cars, agreeing that the new vehicles offered better drivability and stronger initial acceleration. Further evaluations and technical checks regarding energy management issues will be conducted during the three-day second pre-season test in Bahrain,” stated the FIA following the meeting.

“It was agreed that no immediate substantial regulatory changes are necessary, as testing and initial feedback remain incomplete. Premature changes could risk increased instability before the first race. Additional reviews will be undertaken once more data becomes available.”

Other topics: starts, energy, and Sprint races

Teams also discussed starting procedures, which some consider risky, as well as energy management. The possibility of expanding the number of Sprint races to 12 was also raised, depending on demand from fans and promoters. Further testing of starting procedures is planned in Bahrain, while energy management decisions will await additional data.

As the sport transitions into this revolutionary era, the F1 Commission’s cautious approach suggests a desire for stability over knee-jerk reactions. By pushing potential engine changes to the summer and prioritizing data from the Bahrain tests, the FIA aims to ensure the 2026 debut is as seamless as possible. However, the prospect of doubling the Sprint calendar to 12 events shows that while the technical side remains under observation, the commercial expansion of the sport continues at full throttle.