After weeks of consultations and detailed analysis of the data collected during testing in Bahrain and the race weekends in Australia, China and Japan, the FIA has officially confirmed a package of regulatory adjustments for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The online meeting held today between the Federation, Team Principals, Power Unit manufacturers and the Formula One Management resulted in unanimous agreement on a series of targeted measures aimed at reducing excessive energy harvesting and improving safety, particularly during race starts and in close on-track battles.
Almost all of the new measures will come into effect starting from the Miami Grand Prix weekend scheduled for May 3, pending formal ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).
Qualifying: less clipping and more flat-out driving
The first major intervention concerns energy deployment over a single lap. The FIA’s objective is clear: to reduce the phases in which the car cuts power to recharge the batteries, allowing drivers to push flat-out for a greater portion of the circuit.
“Adjustments to the energy management parameters, including a reduction in the maximum allowed energy recovery from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, are aimed at encouraging more consistent and aggressive driving,” the Federation’s statement explained. This change will reduce the duration of the so-called superclip to approximately 2 to 4 seconds per lap. At the same time, peak superclip power will increase from 250 kW to 350 kW, a measure that will also apply during races in order to reduce the driver’s workload in managing the electrical systems.
In addition, the FIA has increased from 8 to 12 the number of events where alternative energy limits can be applied, allowing the regulations to better adapt to the unique characteristics of each circuit.
Race: limiting dangerous closing speeds
In response to concerns raised by drivers following Oliver Bearman’s incident at Suzuka, strict measures have been introduced regarding speed differentials. The management of the MGU-K will now be “zoned”:
- 350 kW (full power) in key acceleration zones, such as corner exits, braking zones and overtaking areas.
- 250 kW in the remaining sections of the track.
In addition, a maximum cap on Boost in race conditions has been introduced: extra power will be limited to +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at the moment of activation, if higher). “These measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while preserving overtaking opportunities and overall performance,” the FIA underlined.
Race starts: electric anti-stall system introduced
One of the most interesting innovations within the 2026 Formula 1 regulations will be tested in Miami. It is a “low power start detection” system capable of instantly identifying a car that shows abnormally low acceleration after the clutch is released.
In such cases, automatic deployment of the MGU-K will be triggered to guarantee a minimum level of acceleration, mitigating the risk of collisions without providing any sporting advantage. The affected cars will automatically activate a system of flashing rear and lateral lights to warn following drivers. Finally, an energy counter reset at the start of the formation lap has been implemented to correct a previously identified software inconsistency.
Wet conditions: improved grip and visibility
Wet-weather conditions have also received specific attention, based on direct feedback from drivers. The temperature of the tyre blankets for Intermediate tyres has been increased in order to guarantee improved initial grip.
From a technical standpoint, maximum ERS deployment will be reduced in wet conditions to limit torque delivery and improve car control when grip is low. Finally, the rear lighting system has been simplified to provide clearer and more consistent visual signals, ensuring faster reaction times for drivers following in poor visibility conditions.
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