Formula One agrees engine rule changes from Miami Grand Prix
Teams unanimously approved adjustments to qualifying and race energy management after driver safety concerns over new hybrid power units.
Formula One agrees engine rule changes from Miami Grand Prix
Teams unanimously approved adjustments to qualifying and race energy management after driver safety concerns over new hybrid power units.
Formula One teams and stakeholders agreed unanimously on Monday to rule modifications aimed at addressing driver complaints about the sport's new power units, with changes to take effect from the Miami Grand Prix on May 32.
The adjustments follow concerns raised after the first three races of the 2026 season, which introduced power units split evenly between electric and combustion power123. Drivers complained about having to ease off the throttle and coast into high-speed corners so the combustion engine could recharge the battery, a practice known as "lift and coast"12. They also cited safety issues from "super-clipping," where the power unit automatically diverts energy from the engine to the battery, slowing the car even when the driver applies full throttle2.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed at the Japan Grand Prix on March 29 because of differing closing speeds between cars managing energy differently3.
The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said the online meeting included the 11 team principals, power unit chief executives, and Formula One officials2. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said ahead of the meeting that drivers had provided "invaluable input on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing"1.
For qualifying, maximum permitted recharge will be reduced from eight megajoules to seven to encourage more consistent flat-out driving, while peak super-clip power will increase from 250 kilowatts to 350 kilowatts to reduce recharging time2. In races, measures were introduced to reduce excessive energy management, though details were not specified2.
Changes to race starts will be tested in Miami before adoption pending feedback and analysis2. The modifications require approval by an FIA World Motor Sport Council electronic vote13.
Ben Sulayem said safety and the best interests of the sport were the main focus of the discussions, which also included technical representatives from teams and engine manufacturers1.