FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is pleased that an agreement has been reached on regulatory changes. On Monday, the FIA met with Formula 1 and the teams to discuss rule adjustments. After this important Formula 1 meeting, the governing body announced which F1 rules would be changed. Ben Sulayem thanked all involved for their swift cooperation, explaining: ‘These changes have been implemented to address the issues that came to light during the first races.’
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The 2026 regulations had already received criticism from the test days, but the call for regulatory changes grew even louder after Oliver Bearman’s heavy crash at Suzuka. The FIA responded that it would hold several meetings in April on possible rule adjustments, with the most important F1 meeting on Monday, April 20. The FIA, Formula 1, and teams met to discuss changes, which would then take effect from the Miami GP. Although the World Motorsport Council (WMSC) still has to make a judgment, an agreement on rule changes has been reached.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced afterwards that he was delighted with the agreement. “I want to express my great appreciation to everyone within Formula 1 – the FIA staff, the teams, the drivers, and the engine manufacturers – for the constructive and close cooperation in a very short time,” the president stated in the statement. “Although we faced an unexpected interruption to the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to the interests of Formula 1.”
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‘Drivers at the core of the discussions’
Ben Sulayem also reflected on the contribution of the drivers. “More than ever, the drivers were at the core of these discussions. I would therefore like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this entire process,” said the president, who had already indicated before today’s F1 meeting that he had spoken with the drivers. “Safety and sporting fairness remain the highest priorities of the FIA. These changes have been implemented to address the issues that came to light during the first races. In addition, to continue to ensure the integrity and quality of the competition. We now look forward to the continuation of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”
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The Formula 1 season continues on Sunday, May 3, with the Miami GP.
Read everything about the Miami GP here
