New F1 rule changes confirmed after Max Verstappen criticism and Ollie Bearman crash

Changes have been made to the new Formula 1 regulations after Max Verstappen threatened to leave the sport.

New regulations had come in for the 2026 season with new aerodynamic rules and the introduction of ‘lift and coast’ energy management to save battery power.

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Even though the cars are technically faster at top speeds and more agile under the 2026 regulations, drivers have to stay off the limit in certain areas during the lap to avoid running out of energy.

Lando Norris has been one driver who has been critical of the new rules, labelling this season’s car the ‘worst’ ever made.

The reigning champion has missed out on precious sessions in the first three race weekends, including failing to start the Chinese Grand Prix alongside teammate Oscar Piastri due to engine issues.

Max Verstappen has publicly disliked the complexity of the rules since pre-season testing.

The four-time champion even threatened to retire from the racing category however his negative feelings are likely exacerbated by Red Bull’s struggles so far this campaign.

Drivers call for change

The FIA proposed that talks occur with F1 personnel during the month-long break following the cancellation of the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain due to regional conflict.

The four-time champion welcomed the talks but was skeptical about the extent of the improvements.

He said: “The fact that we’re talking is already a step forward. The problem is simply that you can tweak these regulations a bit, but fundamentally, something is wrong.

“Not everyone will admit that publicly, but it’s true. I’m just trying to adapt to it. Even though I’ll be retiring in a few years’ time, I do want it to remain a decent sport.”

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Norris and Verstappen have also been concerned about potential accidents due to the regulations, including Ollie Bearman‘s at Suzuka.

The McLaren pilot predicted the risk associated with ‘Boost Mode’ and that it will cause a big accident.

Regulatory adjustments

The governing body held a meeting on Monday with representatives from all 11 teams, power unit manufacturers, and Formula 1‘s management.

The FIA acknowledged that closing speeds were a contributing factor in Bearman’s collision. In productive talks, it was confirmed that changes would be made in ten days’ time for the Miami Grand Prix.

Adjustments to energy management will include a reduction in maximum permitted recharge to encourage more flat-out driving – a style which suits Verstappen.

The maximum power available through ‘Boost mode’ will also be reduced, limiting speed differentials for drivers in close proximity.

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Additionally, there will be improvements to safety and visibility in wet conditions and changes to race start procedures will be introduced following Miami.

The FIA President Mohammed Sulayem has said: “I would like to praise everyone across the Formula 1 ecosystem – the FIA staff, teams, drivers and the Power Unit Manufacturers – for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short space of time.”

“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula One. 

“More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process.

“Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities. These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition.

“We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”

Refinements in full

Qualifying – promoting performance 

• Adjustments to energy management parameters, including a reduction in maximum permitted recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ, aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving. This change targets a maximum superclip duration reduced to approximately 2-4 seconds per lap. 
• Peak superclip power increased to 350 kW, previously being 250kW, further reducing the time spent recharging, and reducing driver workload on energy management. This will also be applied in Race conditions. 
• The number of events where alternative lower energy limits may apply has been increased from 8 to 12 races, allowing greater adaptation to circuit characteristics. 

Race – improved safety and consistency of performance 

• The maximum power available through the Boost in race conditions is now capped at +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at activation if higher) limiting sudden performance differentials.  
• MGU-K deployment is maintained at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250 kW in other parts of the lap.  
• These measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics. 

Race starts – enhanced safety mechanisms 

• A new “low power start detection” system has been developed, capable of identifying cars with abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release. 
• In such cases, an automatic MGU-K deployment will be triggered to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and mitigate start-related risks without introducing any sporting advantage. 
• An associated visual warning system is being introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and lateral) on affected cars to alert following drivers. 
• A reset of the energy counter at the start of the formation lap has also been implemented to correct a previously identified system inconsistency. 

Wet conditions – improving safety and visibility 

• Tyre blanket temperatures for intermediate tyres have been increased following driver feedback in order to improve initial grip and tyre performance in wet conditions. 
• Maximum ERS deployment will be reduced, limiting torque and improving car control in low-grip conditions. 
• The rear light systems have been simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual cues to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions.