“A scalpel, not a baseball bat”: How F1 has tweaked its 2026 regulations

After several weeks of discussions, Formula 1 has officially approved a series of adjustments to the 2026 regulations. Behind these decisions lies a delicate balance to strike—and reactions in the paddock that are sometimes mixed.

Even before the changes were approved, Mercedes' iconic team principal, Toto Wolff, had summed up the general sentiment with a well-chosen phrase: “We need to act with a scalpel, not a baseball bat.”

And looking at the changes that were ultimately approved, it's hard not to agree with him. The FIA and the teams have opted for targeted tweaks rather than a major overhaul.

A deliberate, almost cautious choice, given that the 2026 regulations had already drawn significant criticism after just three races.

A consensus built… without haste

The announced decisions are the result of a series of discussions between the FIA, the teams, the engine manufacturers… and notably, the drivers themselves.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, had previously praised their “invaluable” contribution, particularly on issues of energy management and safety.

A change in approach that has borne fruit: the approved adjustments specifically target these two areas, without seeking to overhaul everything.

Energy: the crux of the problem… and the solutions

Unsurprisingly, energy management was the main focus of the discussions.

The famous “lift and coast” / “super clipping” duo, now ubiquitous on the track, has been partially addressed with adjustments to the recharging and power output of the electric system.

On paper, the goal is clear: to reduce extreme driving phases and restore clarity—and a touch of naturalness—to the driving experience.

But behind the scenes, not everyone was entirely convinced.

On the Haas side, Hoagy Nidd had warned of an unintended consequence: “Reducing recovery also reduces deployment.” A useful reminder: in F1, every technical solution often comes with its own set of trade-offs.

The drivers' feedback… at least in part

In the cockpit, the feedback clearly tipped the scales.

George Russell mentioned “simple” adjustments to implement, particularly regarding the power of super clipping. An idea now incorporated into the approved changes.

The same goes for Ollie Bearman, who pointed out the absurdity of certain phases in qualifying: “Lifting off in qualifying is really weird.”

Here again, the FIA has clearly heard the message, seeking to limit these counterintuitive situations.

Verstappen, still fundamentally skeptical

Despite these adjustments, Max Verstappen has never hidden his reservations about the overall philosophy of the regulations. “Fundamentally, something is wrong.”

The Dutchman, taking a more radical stance, even suggested a return to V10 or V8 engines. A minority view, but one that reveals a deeper unease among some drivers.

For while the changes are a step in the right direction, they obviously do not alter the very nature of these 2026 single-seaters.

Safety, a clear red line

Beyond the spectacle, another factor weighed heavily in the balance: safety.

Ollie Bearman's spectacular crash in Japan had highlighted sometimes alarming speed discrepancies, linked precisely to these differences in energy management.

The approved adjustments therefore also aim to smooth out these gaps, without, however, eliminating the possibilities for overtaking.

And then, in the discussions, another factor emerged implicitly: nostalgia. Wolff had rightly pointed out: past eras aren't always as ideal as we'd like to believe. Less management, certainly… but sometimes also less spectacle.

Today's F1 is therefore trying to chart its own course, as best it can.

A measured evolution… and still room for improvement

Ultimately, the direction taken is clear: make corrections without breaking the system.

The adjustments approved for 2026 are part of a process of gradual progress, not revolution. A measured, almost pragmatic approach.

It remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to iron out the flaws observed at the start of the season. Because in Formula 1, one thing never changes: the best ideas are the ones that stand the test of time.

And the verdict, as always, will be decided on the track.