FIA tightens 2026 F1 Rules after testing row

Written by Kavi Khandelwal

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has confirmed that significant amendments to the 2026 Formula One regulations have been "approved unanimously by e-vote by the World Motor Sport Council."

Credit: Formula One

This signals a major shift in the sport's technical and sporting regulations just days before the season opener in Melbourne. The modifications follow pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain and "extensive feedback received from drivers and teams," aiming to close a controversial engine loophole while refining the weekend format for the new era of power units.

The compression ratio dispute

A central focus of the update is a revision to Technical Regulation C5.4.3 which addresses a high-stakes dispute over engine compression rations that dominated the paddock during testing.

The FIA stated that "a significant effort has been invested in finding a solution to the topic of the compression ratio," a parameter strictly limited to 16.0 to ensure a level playing field for newcomers like Audi and Red Bull-Ford.

Credit: Formula One

While the limit was originally measured only at ambient temperature, rival teams alleged that Mercedes had engineered a "trick" power unit. The controversy centred on claims that Mercedes' engine components were designed to expand or function differently under extreme heat, effectively raising the compression ratio beyond 16.0 once out on track.

To resolve this, the FIA has introduced a "compromise solution."

Starting June 1, 2026, the ratio will be controlled "at ambient temperature as well as when the engine is at 130degC," and from 2027 onwards, it will be measured "only in the the operating conditions (130decC)."

Crucially, the FIA has added a clause stating that "any component, assembly, mechanism, or integrated arrangement of components that is designed or functions to increase the compression ratio in operating conditions beyond 16.0 is prohibited."

This direct intervention forces Mercedes and its customers--McLaren, Williams and Alpine-- to ensure their hardware remains compliant even at peak thermal stress.

Qualifying format

The sporting regulations have also been adjusted to accommodate the unique energy management cycles and battery deployment of the 2026 cars. The duration of Q3 has been increased to "thirteen (13) minutes," up from the previous 12.

However, to maintain the one-hour broadcast window, the break between the end of Q2 and the start of the final shootout has been shortened from eight minutes to "a seven (7) minute" interval.

These changes also account for the expanded 22-car grid following the arrival of Cadillac, necessitating the elimination of the bottom six cars in the first two segments to keep the final shootout exclusive to the top ten.

Monaco Grand Prix

In a significant win for strategic freedom, the FIA has abandoned the widely criticised plan to mandate two pit stops specifically for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Credit: Formula One

The governing body has struck through previous language that required "at least three (3) sets of tyres" for the race in the Principality. Instead, the standard rule now applies: "Unless they have used intermediate or wet-weather tyres during the Race, each driver must use at least two (2) different specifications of dry-weather tyres."

This alignment ensures that the crown jewel of the calendar will not be governed by artificial strategic constraints, allowing teams to return to the traditional "one-stop" gamble if they can manage the rubber.

Learnings and ongoing checks

The FIA acknowledged the unprecedented nature of these mid-season adjustments, noting that "the regulations introduced for 2026 represent one of the biggest changes in recent memory."

All stakeholders agree that with such a massive transition, "there are collective learnings to be taken from pre-season testing and the initial rounds of the 2026 championship."

While this compromise provides immediate clarity for the manufacturers, the governing body confirmed that "further evaluation and technical checks on energy management matters are ongoing," suggesting the rulebook may continue to evolve as the true performance hierarchy reveals itself in Australia.