FIA Confirms 2026 F1 Rule Changes Ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Key Points

• Qualifying peak super‑clip power increased to 350kW (from 250kW) to shorten battery recharge time per lap.
• Race‑mode Boost capped at +150kW (or the car’s current level if higher) to reduce closing‑speed differentials and improve overtaking.
• Automatic MGU‑K deployment at starts to guarantee minimum acceleration and mitigate start‑related safety risks.
• Higher intermediate‑tyre blanket temperatures to improve initial grip in wet conditions.

Full Details

Following criticism that the 2026 F1 cars hindered wheel‑to‑wheel racing and led to safety incidents like Oliver Bearman’s crash in Japan, the FIA, Formula 1, teams, and power‑unit manufacturers agreed on a package of refinements. Key adjustments include raising the peak super‑clip power during qualifying to 350kW to reduce recharge times, capping race‑mode Boost at +150kW to limit sudden performance gaps, and introducing an automatic MGU‑K deployment at starts to ensure consistent acceleration. Additional measures raise intermediate‑tyre blanket temperatures for better wet‑weather grip and reduce overall ERS deployment to improve car control. The Miami Grand Prix on May1‑3, 2026 serves as the testbed, with further start‑procedure tweaks to be evaluated afterward.