The decisive meeting for F1 2026
Today, Monday, April 20, the decisive meeting for the introduction of regulation changes was scheduled, with the presence of FIA, team principals, engine CEOs, and FOM. The final proposals that emerged today were the result of consultations in recent weeks between the Federation, the technical representatives of the teams, and F1 drivers, who made a significant contribution. During the discussions, potential adjustments to the regulations were evaluated, using data collected from the first three seasonal Grand Prix as a basis.
The changes will be operational starting from the Miami race, except for the one related to starts (which will be tested in Miami, but will require new opinions and analyses).
Let’s discover all the changes in detail.
Read more Wolff slams the ADUO for Ferrari: “It should serve to make up ground, not to create new gaps”
How qualifying will change
There will be an adjustment to the energy management parameters, in particular, the maximum allowed recharge will decrease from 8 to 7 MJ. The objective of this change will be to reduce energy recovery, with the direct consequence of driving more on the limit. The superclip will thus have a maximum duration of 2-4 seconds per lap.
The peak power of the superclip will be increased from 250 to 350kW, and this will allow drivers to worry less about energy management (and will also be valid for the GP).
The number of events where lower energy limits can be set will increase from 8 to 12 races, to better adapt this aspect to the characteristics of the track.
What will change in the race
The maximum power available through the in-race boost is now limited to +150 kW: this will limit sudden performance differences.
The use of the MGU-K 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 have been taken to reduce approach speeds, while maintaining overtaking opportunities and the overall performance characteristics of this generation of single-seaters.
What will change at the start
A new “low-power start detection” system will be introduced to identify cars with insufficient acceleration immediately after clutch release. In these cases, there will be an automatic MGU-K intervention to compensate and ensure a minimum level of acceleration, thus reducing the risks associated with the start, without providing a sporting advantage.
In parallel, a visual signaling system will activate rear and side flashing lights to promptly warn approaching drivers.
The energy counter will then be reset at the start of the formation lap, to correct a system inconsistency that emerged in the first races.
Read more Wolff against F1 critics: “We can improve, but without using a baseball bat”
What will change in the wet
The temperature of the tire blankets for Intermediate tires will be increased, following feedback from drivers, to improve initial grip and tire performance in wet conditions. There will be a reduction in the maximum ERS activation, to limit torque and improve car control in low grip conditions. Rear lighting systems have been simplified to improve visibility and reaction times for following drivers.
Next steps
The final proposals will be submitted to the formality of an electronic vote by the FIA World Council to implement them before the F1 Miami GP on May 3.
The only exception is the proposals on the start, which will be tested and analyzed in Miami for introduction in the following weeks.
Read more O’Ward disappointed with F1: “It’s not Mario Kart, it’s an artificial show”
