Formula 1’s governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is set to hold a series of high-level meetings in April following growing concerns surrounding the sport’s new 2026 regulations. The move comes after a dramatic crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix and increasing criticism from drivers, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The discussions come after races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were called off, leaving Formula 1 with an unexpected month-long gap before the Miami Grand Prix. The pause has provided the FIA, teams, drivers, and manufacturers with an opportunity to reassess whether the new technical rules, particularly those related to energy deployment and electrical power boosts, are functioning as intended.
WHY HAS THE FIA SCHEDULED THE REVIEW?
In an official statement released after the Japanese Grand Prix, the FIA confirmed that multiple meetings would take place in April to evaluate how the new regulations are operating under real race conditions. The governing body clarified that the 2026 rules were always designed to undergo review after the opening phase of the season, once sufficient performance data had been collected.
According to the FIA, the regulations include several adjustable parameters, especially concerning the energy management systems. However, the FIA stated that it is premature to talk about rule changes, as extensive evaluations must be completed before any implementation.
BEARMAN’S CRASH PUTS SAFETY CONCERNS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
The urgency behind the review intensified after Oliver Bearman’s heavy crash at Suzuka, an incident many drivers had warned could happen under the new regulations. During lap 21 of the race, the young Haas driver activated additional electrical power while attempting to overtake Alpine driver Franco Colapinto. The energy boost created a significant speed differential, estimated at nearly 50 km/h, as Colapinto moved across the track ahead of him.
Bearman was forced into an impossible decision. Either collide with the rival car or hit the barrier. His car bounced across the grass before slamming into the wall, leaving him limping away with a bruised knee. After the race, Bearman described the moment as something Formula 1 had never previously experienced.
NEW REGULATIONS SPARK DEBATE AMONG DRIVERS
Since the start of the 2026 season, drivers have expressed concerns about the electrical power deployment system, which could create dangerous speed mismatches, particularly at circuits with narrow layouts or close barriers.
The 2026 regulations were introduced to enhance overtaking by relying more heavily on hybrid electrical power. While the changes have produced more passing manoeuvres, they have also generated unexpected complications.
Currently, drivers do not have complete control over their power deployment. Outside a specific overtake button, the car’s computer determines when to release additional electrical power based on an algorithm.
As a result, drivers have reported gaining sudden bursts of speed unintentionally.
Drivers, including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Carlos Sainz, have regularly criticised the new regulations. Verstappen, despite winning the 2025 title, has called the 2026 cars “the worst ever” to drive. He claimed he unintentionally overtook Lewis Hamilton at the Japanese Grand Prix after his battery released power without input, leaving him with a depleted battery later.
VERSTAPPEN CONSIDERING RETIREMENT?
No driver has been more vocal about the new generation of cars than Max Verstappen. The four-time world champion has repeatedly criticised the regulations since pre-season testing, stating that the driving experience has become less enjoyable.
After a disappointing qualifying session at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen admitted he had moved “beyond frustration.” A day later, speaking to BBC Radio, he revealed that retirement at the end of the season was a genuine possibility.
“I keep telling myself every day to try and enjoy it. It’s just very hard,” he said.
His remarks have placed additional pressure on the FIA and Formula 1 leadership. Verstappen remains one of the sport’s biggest global stars, and the possibility of losing such an important champion has intensified focus on the regulations.
As Formula 1 heads toward the Miami Grand Prix, the decisions made during this review period may shape not only the success of the 2026 regulations but also the future of some of the sport’s biggest names.
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