Formula One stakeholders have agreed on a series of adjustments to the sport’s 2026 regulations, following driver feedback and data gathered from the opening races of the season.

The 2026 season marks the beginning of a new regulatory cycle, with sweeping changes to engines, chassis, and tyres, one of the most significant overhauls in the sport’s history.

Some of the changes were an increased reliance on energy management, with hybrid power units now split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.

Drivers have been outspoken in the media about making a change after sharing safety concerns regarding the start and speed differentials during the race, as well as numerous crashes linked to new hybrid power units.

Key updates have been introduced across several areas to address safety and engine concerns, focusing on improving race start safety, race consistency, qualifying performance and visibility in wet conditions.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been critical of the last set of regulations. “As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula One-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids,” he told the BBC. “I enjoy driving flat out and at the moment, you cannot drive like that.”

However reigning world champion Lando Norris offered a more positive perspective.

“Formula One changes all the time. Sometimes it’s a bit better to drive, sometimes not as good to drive,” he said to the BBC.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a good, fun challenge for the engineers and the drivers.”

The final proposals come after weeks of consultation between governing bodies, technical representatives, and drivers, whose concerns centred on the feel and drivability of the new cars.

The changes were discussed in a meeting involving the governing body Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA), team principals, power unit manufacturers, and the commercial rights’ holder, Formula One Management.

The final proposals will have to be voted on by the FIA World Motorsport Council e-vote prior to the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, excluding the race start proposal, which will be tested the weekend.

Photo: The first three rows of the grid ahead of the race start Miami GP 2025 by Bassfish22 is available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.