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Formula One Makes Rule Changes After Drivers’ Criticism
The FIA capped boost at 150kW and cut energy harvesting to 7 megajoules after drivers said the new hybrid rules slowed qualifying.
- On Monday, April 20, 2026, Formula One and the FIA finalized rule changes following a summit with team principals, set to be introduced for the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
- Four-Time world champion Max Verstappen led criticism of the new regulations, calling the 50-50 power split and boost button 'gimmicks' that forced drivers to manage batteries and slow on qualifying laps.
- Energy harvesting drops from eight megajoules to seven, while the hybrid power unit increases to 350kw; following British driver Ollie Bearman's high-speed Japan crash, the FIA capped the boost button at 150kw, 'limiting sudden performance differentials'.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff cautioned against sweeping overhauls, emphasizing the season is only three races old as changes aim to allow drivers to go 'flat-out' for longer in qualifying.
- Following an enforced five-week break caused by the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races due to Middle East conflict, the season resumes in Miami with further stakeholder discussions scheduled after the round.
26 Articles
26 Articles
After Bearman's accident in Japan, top management took a lead in the matter.The Dutch Red Bull driver had been the most critical with the new rules.
In the midst of the debate about the new Formula 1 set of rules, the drivers of the racing series have introduced a series of rapid changes.The majority of the adjustments are due to take place at the Grand Prix in Miami in early May. Among other things, the drivers will be forced to pay less attention to charging the battery for the electric part of the engine during a lap.This energy management was severely criticised by Superstar Max Verstapp…
The main players in Formula 1, including team leaders and engine manufacturers, reached an agreement to easily amend the technical regulation, criticized since its entry into force this season, announced, on Monday, the International Automobile Federation (IAF), quoted by AFP.
On Monday, the IAF announced the readjustment of the Formula 1 technical regulation following the pilots' criticisms.
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