Last week the FIA sealed a package of 2026 rule tweaks aimed at taming closing speeds. The urgency grew after Oliver Bearman’s Suzuka crash, where a sudden surge in electrical boost sent him into Franco Colapinto’s Alpine and into the wall. The crash sparked debate on electric boost’s role, urging the FIA to act quickly. Officials hope re‑balancing power deployment will curb such dangerous differentials.

Key changes keep the 350 kW ceiling in acceleration zones but drop to 250 kW elsewhere, while race‑mode boost tops out at 15 kW. Lando Norris felt the shift at Japan’s 130R, gaining unexpected thrust after lifting off, then losing it as his battery drained. FIA single‑seater chief Nikolas Tombazis says the tweaks aim to curb safety risks and the odd ‘unintended overtakes’ seen lately.

Tombazis stressed the approach is gradual and data‑driven, promising to monitor the next few grands prix before deciding on further tweaks. He described the package as “a reasonably significant step in the right direction” and pledged ongoing dialogue with teams, FOM and fans. Early races will reveal whether the new limits achieve the intended safety balance.