The decision has finally arrived: F1 will change the rules for the management of the electric system starting from the Miami GP.
Today, Monday, April 20, was crucial for the future of F1. The emergency summit between FIA, FOM, and Team Principals finally took place, and the result was overwhelming: the Formula 1 regulations, starting from the next Grand Prix, which is Miami, will change.
It is not yet clear what the value of these modifications will be, but one thing is clear: this beginning of 2026 is not liked by fans or insiders. What is certain, as reported by Planet F1 journalist Thomas Maher, is that F1 will change course starting from the US stage.
These were the words of Ben Sulayem at the end of the summit: “I would like to commend all members of the Formula 1 ecosystem for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short span of time. Although we had to face an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances independent of the sport, all parties remained fully committed to acting in the best interest of Formula 1. More than ever, the drivers have been at the center of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their invaluable contribution during the entire process.”
The FIA President then continued: “Safety and sporting fairness remain the highest priorities of the FIA. These changes have been introduced to address the critical issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition. We now look forward with impatience to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”
A fundamental step forward for the development of this sport.
UPDATE: Here are the changes for qualifying, starts, race, and wet sessions!
Qualifying:
1) Reduction of the maximum allowed recharge from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, in order to reduce excessive energy draw and encourage more consistent full-throttle driving, which leads to a reduction of superclipping to approximately 2-4 seconds per lap.
2) The maximum superclipping power has been increased to 350 kW, while the previous levels were at 250 kW, reducing charging times and the number of aspects the driver must manage during the race. This qualification is also extended to the race.
Starts:
1) A “Low-power start detection” system has been introduced. This allows for an automatic deployment of the MGU-K to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and limit risks due to large speed deltas.
2) A visual system is to be adopted in the cars, so that in case of someone’s failed start, it can be recognized and risks avoided.
3) The energy counter is reset at the beginning of the formation lap to correct a previously identified system inconsistency.
Race:
1) Boost mode is limited to +150 kW (or the current power level of the car at the time of activation, if higher), thus reducing sudden performance differences, a change created to limit situations like Colapinto-Bearman in Suzuka.
2) MGU-K power delivery 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.
Wet sessions:
1) The temperature of the intermediate tire blankets has been increased to improve initial grip and tire performance. 2) The ERS system will be reduced, limiting torque and improving car control in low-friction conditions.
3) Rear lighting systems have been simplified to improve visibility and driver reaction time.
Photo: F1.com
