The FIA has agreed in principle to further evolutionary changes to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations following an online meeting held Friday with Team Principals, Formula One Management, and power unit manufacturer representatives. The discussions centred on refining the new technical framework introduced this season and planning adjustments for 2027.
Miami Refinements Deemed Successful
Friday’s meeting opened with a review of the rule refinements introduced at last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. The FIA issued a statement declaring that
these measures, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, were deemed to have delivered improved competition and represent a positive step in the continued refinement of the 2026 framework.
The governing body also confirmed that
no material issues or safety concerns
had been identified following the implementation of these changes in Miami. The package represented the first set of in-season adjustments to the radical 2026 regulations, which introduced new chassis designs, overhauled power units with approximately 50% electric contribution, and active aerodynamics.
According to the FIA statement,
further evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events. These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined.
Power Unit Rebalancing for 2027
Looking beyond the current season, stakeholders agreed in principle to more substantial technical changes. The FIA statement explained:
Turning to the longer-term refinement of the regulations, it was agreed in principle to introduce evolutionary changes to the rules regarding hardware components, making competition safer, fairer and more intuitive for drivers and teams.
The proposed 2027 package would rebalance the power unit characteristics significantly.
The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW alongside a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW,
the FIA confirmed.
This rebalancing suggests the initial 2026 power unit formula, which leaned heavily on electrical deployment, may have created challenges in terms of driveability or race management. Shifting approximately 50kW from the ERS back to the combustion engine would alter the power delivery characteristics and potentially reduce the complexity of energy management during races.
Consultation Process and Next Steps
The proposals presented Friday emerged from several weeks of consultation between the FIA and various stakeholders, including direct input from F1 drivers. Further detailed technical discussions will now take place in specialist working groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers before the final package is settled.
Once the technical groups complete their refinements, the proposals will be formally presented to the World Motor Sport Council for an electronic vote. Power unit manufacturers will also vote on the package as part of the approval process. The next round of in-season adjustments, focused on start procedures and wet-weather safety, will be communicated to teams once finalised ahead of implementation at upcoming race weekends.