Regulation 2026 adjusted starting in Miami: The FIA is already making changes after three races

After three instructive opening races, the FIA and Formula 1 stakeholders have approved a series of adjustments to the 2026 regulations. The goal: to level the playing field, simplify energy management, and enhance safety, without compromising the spectacle.

In Formula 1, we love big changes… but we quickly learn to fine-tune the details. Evidently.

Meeting earlier this week—the FIA, teams, engine manufacturers, and FOM—the paddock's decision-makers approved several adjustments to the 2026 regulations. A collective update, based on data collected during the first three races of the season (Australia, China, Japan), and informed by driver feedback.

In other words: theory is fine. The track is better.

These changes will take effect starting with the Miami Grand Prix, with the exception of the starting procedures, which will first be tested before final approval. Here is everything that is changing.

Qualifying: less calculation, more aggression

First area of focus: energy management, which was starting to feel like a Chinese puzzle—and wasn't always exciting to watch. Nor was it very comfortable for the driver, according to feedback from the paddock.

The maximum recharge is reduced (from 8 to 7 MJ), while the power of the famous “superclip” increases to 350 kW. Expected result: shorter but more aggressive full-throttle phases.

In short, less excessive management, more pure driving.

Another adjustment: the number of races allowing alternative energy limits increases from eight to twelve, to better accommodate the specific characteristics of each circuit.

In the race: keeping the gaps tight without dampening the spectacle

On the racing side, the FIA is seeking to strike the right balance between performance and clarity.

Boost is now capped at +150 kW to prevent overly abrupt speed gaps—those infamous “catapult” effects that could turn an overtaking maneuver into a formality and are sometimes dangerous, as seen in Oliver Bearman's crash at Suzuka.

In the same vein, MGU-K deployment remains at 350 kW in key zones (acceleration, overtaking), but will be limited elsewhere on the lap.

The idea is simple: to preserve overtaking opportunities without turning every straight into a video game—a criticism voiced by some drivers.

Starts: Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises

Another sensitive issue: the starts, where certain anomalies were noted at the beginning of the season.

A system to detect low-power starts is being introduced. If a car struggles to pull away from the grid, an automatic deployment of the MGU-K will compensate—without providing a competitive advantage.

Add to that enhanced light signals to alert drivers behind, and a reset of the energy meter during the formation lap to correct certain inconsistencies.

In short, fewer surprises… or at least, fewer unpleasant ones.

Wet conditions: prioritizing visibility

In the rain, F1 remains a balancing act. The FIA has therefore made some welcome tweaks.

Intermediate tires will benefit from a higher cover temperature to improve initial grip—a point that has also been frequently criticized by drivers.

ERS deployment will also be reduced to limit torque and make it easier to control the cars on a slippery track.

Finally, the rear lighting systems have been simplified to provide clearer signals. A seemingly minor detail, but crucial when visibility drops to zero at less than a meter…

F1 in a phase of adjustment

These changes will soon be put to a vote by the World Motor Sport Council, but their approval is virtually a foregone conclusion.

What's the takeaway? F1 2026 continues to be refined. No further revolution, but a series of targeted tweaks designed to improve understanding, safety, and the spectacle.

It's precision work, almost old-school: polishing, tweaking… and avoiding breaking what already works. At least, that's what we hope.

Now it remains to be seen whether these adjustments will pay off on the track. We'll have our verdict in Miami, in just under two weeks. This break is dragging on…