FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Hails Collaboration as Formula One Agrees 2026 Regulatory Refinements

Sports & Championship

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Hails Collaboration as Formula One Agrees 2026 Regulatory Refinements

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised the collaborative efforts across the Formula One World Championship following an agreement on key regulatory refinements for the 2026 season.

The changes were finalised during an online meeting involving the FIA, team principals, CEOs of power unit manufacturers, and Formula One Management (FOM). The agreed updates focus on qualifying energy management, race safety, power controls, start-line systems, and wet-weather performance improvements.

The proposals will now be submitted for approval through an FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) e-vote, with implementation targeted ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. Certain measures, including race start procedures, will be tested during the race weekend.

Speaking on the developments, Ben Sulayem commended the unified approach taken by stakeholders across the sport. He emphasised that drivers played a central role in shaping the discussions, ensuring that decisions reflected both competitive and safety considerations.

He noted that despite disruptions to the racing calendar, all parties remained focused on acting in the best interests of Formula One, reinforcing the sport’s commitment to fairness, safety, and performance integrity.

The regulatory adjustments are based on data collected from the opening three races of the 2026 season. Among the key updates is an increase in the number of events where alternative lower energy limits can be applied, rising from eight to twelve, allowing better adaptation to varying circuit demands.

Additional measures aim to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall race performance. Improvements to rear light systems have also been introduced, providing clearer visual signals to enhance driver visibility and reaction times, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Ben Sulayem reaffirmed that safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s top priorities, stating that the refinements are designed to address early-season challenges while preserving the quality of competition.

He expressed confidence in the season ahead, noting that the changes will contribute to what is expected to be an exciting and competitive 2026 championship.

The announcement comes alongside ongoing discussions at the FIA Region I Spring Meeting in Budva, Montenegro, where representatives from over 100 FIA member clubs are collaborating on advancing safe and sustainable mobility across multiple regions.