FIA president issues statement as 'invaluable' F1 driver discussions revealed

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement following "invaluable" discussions with current Formula 1 drivers over the 2026 power unit regulations.

The vast majority of the grid has criticised the new 50/50 power unit split, particularly issues such as dangerous closing speeds and lift-and-coast requirements during qualifying.

Meetings were also set to take place after the opening rounds; however, the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia has created a window of opportunity not only for the talks to happen, but also for proposals to be raised for Miami at the start of May.

Throughout April, several meetings have taken place to discuss what changes can be made to the regulations from Miami, with Ben Sulayem revealing that the drivers have also been consulted.

The conversations with the drivers have seen the grid offer what it believes should be changed, ahead of a critical meeting on April 20.

On Monday, April 20, the FIA will meet with F1 CEOs and team principals to further discuss potential changes before creating a final proposal, which will be sent to the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) for approval.

Ben Sulayem's statement read: "I am delighted to report that there has been constructive and collaborative discussion between the FIA and the Formula 1 drivers ahead of tomorrow’s CEOs and team principals meeting to discuss potential changes to the 2026 Regulations. 

"The drivers have provided invaluable input on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing. 

"The FIA has also held a series of meetings over the past few weeks with technical representatives from the teams, power unit manufacturers and FOM to discuss proposed changes. Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions. 

"Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before a FIA WMSC e-vote."