FIA President Shares Update on 2026 Regulations Talks with Drivers

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that "constructive and collaborative" discussions were held with Formula 1 drivers ahead of a key meeting with team principals to review potential changes to the 2026 car regulations. The drivers provided input focused on energy management to ensure safety and competitive racing, as the sport continues to evaluate the new rules after the first three races of the season.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent a major technical overhaul for Formula 1, and early feedback from the drivers—the ones who will ultimately race the cars—is critical for their success. Direct collaboration between the governing body and the drivers on issues like energy management can help preempt safety concerns and avoid a scenario where the racing product is fundamentally flawed, which has been a point of public criticism from top drivers like Max Verstappen.

The details:

• The FIA organized a series of meetings during the April break, involving drivers, technical representatives from teams, power unit manufacturers, and Formula One Management (FOM).
• President Ben Sulayem stated the drivers gave "invaluable input" on adjustments, particularly in the area of energy management, with the goals of safety, fairness, and competitive racing.
• These preliminary talks set the stage for a subsequent meeting with CEOs and Team Principals, after which final proposals will be put to an e-vote by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).
• The review process was triggered by the need to assess how the 2026 concept has performed in simulations and early development phases.

The big picture:

This regulatory review occurs against a backdrop of vocal criticism from reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who has likened the current formula with its heavy energy deployment to "playing Mario Kart" and stated "this is not racing." While the current talks focus on 2026, they reflect a broader, ongoing tension between the sport's technological evolution and the drivers' desire for pure, manageable racing. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has recently addressed this criticism publicly, indicating the topic is a high priority for the sport's commercial rights holder as well.

What's next:

The immediate next step is the meeting with team principals, where the feedback from drivers and technical working groups will be consolidated. The FIA's stated focus remains on safety and the sport's best interests. Following that meeting, the finalized proposals will go to the WMSC for a vote, determining the precise path of the 2026 technical regulations.