FIA announce tweaks to F1 rules as new regulations confirmed

The FIA has announced a series of tweaks to F1's 2026 regulations whilst also confirming that a "first issue" of the 2027 rules had been agreed.

At the World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau, a variety of topics received formal approval across all FIA world championships, including the new Formula E calendar.

In terms of F1, the WMSC has rubber-stamped the following changes to the 2026 regulations.

The declaration of a heat hazard may now be split between a Sprint and a grand prix, but still 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. 

For safety reasons, in low grip conditions when the track is wet, or in poor visibility, boost mode has been reintroduced, but only to prevent power reduction from a car and not to increase power output. Overtake mode has also been disabled in such conditions. 

For 2027, pre-season testing has been increased to four days in total from three, with the WMSC ratifying the "first issue" of the 2027 technical regulations - with a broad set of "structural, wording, and targeted technical updates that improve clarity, consistency, and enforceability while incorporating key learnings from the 2026 season."

The WMSC also formally passed the proposed changes to the make-up of the power output of the engines from 2027 as F1 moves away from the 50:50 ICE:Battery split.

By 2028, it will be a 60:40 split, with the updates passed including "targeted adjustments to internal combustion engine output, fuel energy flow and energy recovery system deployment, together with increased flexibility in energy management."

Elsewhere, measures relating to power unit supply, management of reconnaissance laps and race distances at selected circuits and financial regulatory changes linked to amendments to the technical and sporting package for 2027-28," were also agreed.

"The FIA continues to oversee the evolution of the 2026 Regulations and work closely with all key stakeholders across the motorsport community," said president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

"As with every major regulatory change, the process does not end when the cars first take to the track. Continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensuring that the regulations meet the needs of the sport, its drivers, and its fans.

"Together we are exploring the future direction of the championship and considering how the sport can balance innovation, sustainability, performance and fan appeal in the years ahead.

"The discussions around future power unit concepts, including V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels, demonstrate the willingness of all parties to engage in shaping the next chapter of the sport."