The FIA has confirmed rule changes for the current Formula One season, responding to driver dissatisfaction and safety concerns over energy management regulations. The adjustments follow discussions after the Japanese Grand Prix and were agreed by senior representatives including team principals and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
The changes aim to address issues with electrical energy deployment and recharging that have dominated race strategy. Drivers, including four-time champion Max Verstappen, voiced unhappiness over the impact on racing. Safety concerns were highlighted by Oliver Bearman's accident at Suzuka due to closing speed differentials between cars managing energy in alternate modes.
Key modifications include reducing the maximum energy recharge per lap in qualifying from eight to seven megajoules, allowing flat-out laps without tactical energy recovery. The 'lift and coast' process is tackled by increasing the recharge limit from 250kW to 350kW during full-throttle energy recovery, reducing the need to lift off at the end of straights.
To address closing speed dangers, the maximum boost power is capped at 150kW. Additional safety protocols include warning lights for slow-moving cars at race starts and potential further evaluations at the Miami Grand Prix. Energy recovery power will also be adjusted during wet races for safety.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the constructive collaboration with drivers, stating safety and sporting fairness remain top priorities. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the approach as using a 'scalpel rather than a baseball bat', confident in finding a constructive way forward.
