F1 agrees on mid‑season 2026 rule package

All F1 teams, power‑unit makers and the FIA reached a unanimous agreement on a mid‑season package of 2026 rule tweaks on Monday. The changes aim to tighten race‑start safety, curb extreme boost and encourage flat‑out qualifying laps. Most will debut at the Miami Grand Prix, pending World Motor Sport Council approval.

Why it matters:

The tweaks protect drivers as hybrid cars now reach higher corner‑exit speeds, while preserving the energy‑harvest battles that make qualifying exciting. By limiting boost spikes, overtaking stays viable without increasing crash risk.

The details:

• Qualifying: recharge limit down to 7 MJ per lap; super‑clip power raised to 350 kW, cutting recharge bursts.
• Boost: extra power capped at +150 kW; non‑acceleration zones limited to 250 kW to smooth speed differentials.
• Race starts & wet: low‑power start detection auto‑triggers MGU‑K and flashing lights; ERS reduced and tyre blanket temps raised for better grip.

What's next:

The package awaits formal sign‑off by the FIA World Motor Sport Council – a step the president called a formality. If approved, Miami will be the first race under the new limits, after which the FIA will review the impact before the summer break.