Formula 1's controversial 2026 regulations faced their first major test at the Miami Grand Prix, with the series rolling out tweaks designed to improve safety and spectacle after months of driver criticism. The new rules introduced smaller, lighter cars with near-50:50 hybrid power splits that have divided the paddock since their debut.

The FIA lowered the energy harvesting limit from eight to seven megajoules in qualifying and increased super clipping to 350 kilowatts in an effort to make cars more predictable and reduce the "yo-yo racing" that has plagued the season. Despite the changes, instances of repeated overtaking between Leclerc and race winner Kimi Antonelli earned the dreaded "yo-yo" label from engineers.

Driver reactions remained divided. Leclerc called it "a step in the right direction," while Norris said drivers "still get penalised" for pushing hard. Four-time champion Max Verstappen remained unconvinced: "It's still not how I would like to see it. The faster you go through corners, you go slower on the next straight." Piastri warned closing speeds could still be "huge," making defending incredibly tough.

The tweaks represent an initial attempt to address fundamental issues with the 2026 rules, though significant work remains to satisfy the grid's concerns.