Formula 1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is set to hold a series of high-level meetings in April following growing concerns over the sport’s new rules for 2026. The move comes following Oliver Bearman’s dramatic crash at the Japanese Grand Prix and growing 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 One with an unexpected month gap ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. The break has given the FIA, teams, drivers and manufacturers the opportunity to reassess whether the new technical rules, particularly those relating to energy use and increasing electric power, are working as intended.
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WHY DID THE FIA SCHEDULE THE REVIEW?
In an official statement issued after the Japanese Grand Prix, the FIA confirmed that several meetings will take place in April to assess how the new regulations work in real racing conditions. The governing body clarified that the 2026 rules were always designed to be revised after the initial phase of the season once sufficient performance data had been collected.
According to the FIA, the regulations contain several adjustable parameters, especially when it comes to energy management systems. However, the FIA said it was premature to talk about rule changes as extensive evaluations must be completed before any implementation.
BEARMAN IMPACT PUSHES SAFETY CONCERNS IN SPOTLIGHT
The urgency of the review has increased following Oliver Bearman’s heavy crash at Suzuka, an incident many drivers warned could happen under the new regulations. During the 21st lap of the race, the young Haas driver activated the additional electric power in an attempt to overtake Alpine rider Franco Colapinto. The increase in power created a significant speed difference, estimated at nearly 50 km/h, as Colapinto moved around the track in front of him.
Bearman was forced to make an impossible decision. It either collides with an opponent’s car or crashes into a barrier. His car bounced across the grass before hitting a wall, sending him limping away with a bruised knee. After the race, Bearman described the moment as something Formula 1 had never experienced before.
THE NEW REGULATIONS HAVE FURNISHED A DEBATE AMONG DRIVERS
Since the start of the 2026 season, drivers have voiced concerns about the electric power delivery system, which could cause dangerous speed discrepancies, particularly on circuits with tight layouts or narrow obstacles.
The 2026 regulations were introduced to improve overtaking by relying more on hybrid electric power. The changes did bring more passing maneuvers, but also unexpected complications.
Currently, drivers do not have complete control over their performance. In addition to the specific overtaking button, the car’s computer determines when to release additional electrical energy based on an algorithm.
As a result, drivers reported sudden increases in speed unintentionally.
Drivers including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz regularly criticize the new rules. Verstappen, despite winning the title in 2025, described the 2026 cars as “the worst ever”. He claimed to have inadvertently overtaken Lewis Hamilton in the Japanese Grand Prix after his battery released energy without input, leaving him with a dead battery later.
IS 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 criticized the regulations since pre-season testing, saying the driving experience has become less enjoyable.
After a disappointing qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen admitted he moved on “beyond frustration”. A day later, in an interview with BBC Radio, revealed that retirement at the end of the season was a real possibility.
“I still tell myself every day to try and enjoy it. It’s just very hard,” he said.
His comments have put further pressure on the FIA and Formula 1 leadership. Verstappen remains one of the sport’s biggest global stars and the prospect of losing such an important champion has intensified the focus on regulations.
As Formula One heads into the Miami Grand Prix, decisions made during this review period could affect not only the success of the 2026 regulations, but also the future of some of the sport’s biggest names.
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Published on:
01 April 2026 17:14 IST
