Autobayng News Team
The FIA will not introduce any immediate changes to Formula 1’s new technical regulations for 2026 despite the concerns raised by drivers in testing.
A meeting of the Formula 1 Commission agreed some “refinements” to the 2026 rules, which will go before the World Motor Sport Council for approval. But it will make no major changes to the rules in the short term.
“In common with the introduction of such significant regulatory changes, there are still collective learnings to be taken from pre-season testing,” said the FIA in a statement. “As a group – the teams, the power unit manufacturers, FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) – there was a commitment to work through all technical aspects ahead of the opening race of the 2026 season in Melbourne next month.
“Constructive discussion took place among all the teams following initial feedback from drivers arising from a survey instigated by the FIA. Topics covered include overall car characteristics, energy and power unit, aerodynamics, overtaking and racing, tyres and mechanical grip.”
Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and others have complained about the amount of energy saving which is required by the new generation of cars. However other aspects of the latest cars have won some praise.
“Positive feedback from drivers was received on the reduced weight and smaller dimensions of the 2026 cars,” said the FIA. “[Drivers] generally agreed that the new car exhibited improved ride quality and stronger initial acceleration.
“Further evaluation and technical checks on energy management matters will be carried out over the following three days at the second pre-season test in Bahrain.
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“It was agreed that no immediate major regulatory changes were required given that [the] initial evidence and feedback remains immature and that premature change carried the risk of increased instability ahead of the first race. Further reviews will be carried out once more data becomes available.”
However the FIA will take a close look at the concerns expressed by some teams over the potential increased risk during standing starts. “There were constructive talks and proposals centred on the race start procedure during the commission meeting,” it said. “As a result, further evaluation of updates to race systems and on-car management will be undertaken during the current Bahrain test.”
Formula 1
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