FIA announces key F1 power unit rule changes to be implemented from Miami GP

The FIA has announced details of the power unit regulation changes, unanimously agreed by key Formula 1 stakeholders, that will be introduced from next week's Miami Grand Prix. 

Talks have been underway between the FIA and relevant F1 stakeholders across April to discuss changes to the power unit rules, following a negative reception to the new-for-2026 regulations during the first three rounds. 

These talks have focused on tweaks to the energy rules to better manage 'superclipping' and allow for more flat out driving, as well as improving safety. 

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem confirmed that today’s meeting of key F1 stakeholders resulted in changes to the power unit regulations, with details now announced in full by the FIA. 

The FIA also noted that there was “unanimous agreement” in the virtual gathering, which finished inside its anticipated three-hour slot.

They will now have to be rubber-stamped by an e-vote of the World Motor Sport Council.

As explained by the FIA, the key changes are as follows:

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. 

All the changes will be implemented in Miami, although the race start procedures will officially only be tested there, prior to further analysis.

In a statement FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised those involved in the process of agreeing on change, and stressed that the drivers had played a key role.

“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,” he said.

“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 F1.

“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.”

He continued: “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."