Formula 1 will have rule adjustments already for the Miami GP, after initial criticism of the new regulations. The FIA made it clear that the changes do not represent a complete overhaul, but rather specific corrections after the first three races.
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The beginning of the new era generated negative reactions from drivers and fans, mainly due to the ‘artificial’ nature of overtakes and safety concerns. Incidents such as the one between Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto in Japan, which resulted in a heavy crash of the Haas driver into the barrier, reinforced the alert about speed differences when one car is recovering energy, compared to another with full energy.
According to Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, the focus has always been to adapt the regulations after the first races: “These 2026 rules are one of the biggest changes in Formula 1 history. We knew there would be challenges and we always said we would review after the first races,” he stated.
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He highlighted that, despite competitive races with many overtakes, there were points to correct: “The approach was one of evolution and refinement, not revolution. We saw no need for a radical change,” he added.
Among the changes are the reduction of energy recovery in qualifying laps, to allow more time at maximum pace, as well as adjustments to energy use in races and safety improvements at starts and in wet conditions. Tombazis also emphasized that drivers played an important role in the process: “They were quite unanimous in asking for changes in qualifying sessions to be able to push harder and also highlighted safety concerns, which was essential in the decisions,” he concluded.
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