F1 teams begin simulator and bench testing to evaluate potential rule changes. Formula 1 teams are actively testing potential regulation changes using simulators and bench analysis.

It is no longer just a matter of discussions, ideas, and proposals. Following the FIA-led meeting on April 9 with power unit manufacturers and team technical staff, a series of potential regulation changes has emerged, and teams have now been tasked with more than just reflection—they have effectively been given homework to complete.

During the meeting, the proposals put forward were not merely theoretical. Instead, they were backed by initial simulator runs and bench testing, with teams now expected to carry out further analysis so that experimental data can be discussed in detail at the next meeting scheduled for April 16.

The list of possible modifications to both the technical and sporting regulations is quite extensive. All teams have agreed to explore different solutions through simulation tools and test benches in order to address several critical issues that have sparked considerable debate following the opening three races of the season.

The unexpected one-month break in the championship—caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to the conflict in the Middle East—has provided an opportunity to reflect more calmly on the situation. Teams are using this time to carefully analyze the data collected from the races in Australia, China, and Japan.

To avoid any accusations that the FIA might be “steering” regulatory adjustments in a way that could benefit certain teams over others, it was considered a wise decision to involve all stakeholders in a shared preparatory process. The upcoming technical meeting on Thursday, April 16, will focus on reviewing the data gathered during these tests, with the aim of formulating concrete proposals.

These proposals are then expected to be presented at a high-level governance meeting on April 20, where key decision-makers will work towards a final agreement on the potential changes.

It should also be noted that a separate meeting dedicated to sporting regulations will take place on Wednesday, April 15. During that session, participants will assess the possible impact of any changes to Section B of the rules, which may be required to accommodate adjustments to the technical framework.

Participants in last week’s meeting chose not to publicly disclose the specific points under discussion. However, a few limited details have emerged. A significant portion of the work has been focused on improving the qualifying phase, where drivers’ ability to manage a single flying lap is often compromised by limited electrical energy availability due to battery depletion.

Among the ideas being evaluated is the possibility of liberalizing the use of Straight Line Mode. At present, active aerodynamics can only be deployed in FIA-designated sections of the track, but there is growing interest in granting drivers greater freedom in how and where they use these systems.

The FIA, while open to introducing regulatory changes during the season, remains cautious about compromising safety. For this reason, it appears reluctant to fully allow unrestricted use of movable aerodynamic devices like active wings.

It will be particularly interesting to see which proposals ultimately reach the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which is expected to be convened remotely. The goal is to approve any changes in time for them to be implemented as early as the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.