Formula 1 has introduced a series of regulation tweaks ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May, aimed at addressing driver concerns that prompted four-time world champion Max Verstappen to threaten retirement. The changes, which require ratification by the World Motorsport Council, follow complaints about new engine and chassis rules introduced for 2026.
Verstappen described the current cars as 'anti-racing' and 'like Formula E on steroids', while Lando Norris called overtaking 'artificial'. Drivers also reported being forced to 'lift and coast' in qualifying to recharge batteries, a phenomenon known as super-clipping, and safety concerns arose after Ollie Bearman's crash in Japan due to a 31mph speed differential.
To address energy harvesting, the FIA has reduced the permitted recharge per lap from 8MJ to 7MJ and increased the maximum super-clipping limit from 250kW to 350kW. The number of circuits with a lower energy limit has also been raised from eight to 12, aiming to reduce the need for lift and coast.
Safety measures include limiting 350kW deployment to straight-line zones only, with a 250kW cap elsewhere, and capping the boost button at 150kW. These changes aim to reduce excessive closing speeds while preserving overtaking opportunities.
Additionally, a low-power start detection system will be trialled in Miami to identify cars with slow acceleration and automatically deploy the MGU-K to ensure minimum performance, mitigating crash risks at race starts.
