Changes in the rules for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season have just been announced by the World Motor Sport Council. President Mohammed Ben Sulayem began the session saluting the latest personnel changes happened in the Federation, with the appointment of Alberto Villarreal as General Manager and of Alessandra Malhame as Senior HR Officier, ahead of switching topics to the top single seaters championship.
First and foremost, the point awarded to the driver securing the fastest lap during a full length race will be removed from the 2025 season onwards. The rule, which had been reintroduced in 2019 after a 60-year hiatus, currently sees the championship award an additional point only to drivers in the top ten, and was recently discussed during the recent Singapore GP.
During the round, race winner Lando Norris had been holding on to it for most of the race, only for retiring Daniel Ricciardo for Racing Bulls on his final F1 appearance to snatch it from him by going on a glory run on fresh rubber on the final lap of the event.
Extended changes to the aerodynamic regulations announced earlier this year in June were made, in order to ensure the highest performance possible from the cars while not influencing on track racing and overtake ease.
Sporting regulations have been modified as well, featuring rules set to improve energy management on the power unit side and the introduction of adjustable aerodynamics, with the possibility of switching from low drag (using the so called “straight-line mode”) to high (“cornering mode”).
On the financial side, the budget cap will still be implemented, and will also remain of the same amount it has been in the past season, whereas the rules regarding areas excluded by the cap have been simplified.
Finally, the FIA calls for more space for the youth, as all teams will have to field a young driver during a practice session twice a season, compared to the previous rule of only once per season.
The new rules will be tested out in three different pre season testing sessions consisting of three days each.
Ben Sulayem commented on the measures implemented, hoping they will help increase the potential of the championship and the level of racing offered by it:
“The regulation changes for Formula 1 in 2026 will ensure the sport remains financially robust and has greater road relevance, alongside the introduction of upgraded safety features that do not compromise exciting racing. My thanks to Stefano Domenicali for our continued partnership as we progress the first joint strategy for the future of Formula 1.”
