F1 and FIA finalize 2026 governance pact, reshaping power dynamics

Formula 1's future regulatory framework is now set, with the FIA, Formula One Management, and all 11 teams formally approving the 2026 Concorde Governance Agreement. The pact, signed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, establishes the rules for how the sport will be managed from 2026 through 2030, focusing on decision-making processes and financial structures behind the scenes.

Why it matters:

This agreement solidifies the power structure for F1's next major regulatory era, which includes the landmark 2026 power unit rules. By clarifying governance and streamlining decision-making, it aims to prevent the political gridlock that has historically slowed progress, ensuring the sport can adapt more swiftly to future challenges.

The details:

The core of the new agreement involves a significant shift in how rules are approved within the F1 Commission.

• Streamlined Voting: The threshold for passing regulatory changes has been lowered. A standard majority will now require just four team votes instead of six, and a super majority requires six instead of eight. With the FIA and FOM retaining their own votes, this change enhances the regulatory bodies' ability to enact changes.
• Financial Restructuring: The FIA will receive increased financial contributions from both FOM and the competing teams through a restructured entry-fee system. This added revenue is reportedly earmarked for modernizing the federation's F1 operations.
• Operational Upgrades: The funds are intended to professionalize key areas that have faced recent scrutiny, including investments in improved race stewarding, expanded marshalling resources, and enhanced governance tools.

The big picture:

The governance agreement is the final piece of F1's long-term framework for the latter half of this decade. It comes as the sport prepares for its most significant technical overhaul in years with the 2026 regulations. The new structure is designed to provide the clarity and authoritative decision-making needed to navigate that transition smoothly, moving away from a model where a small bloc of teams could easily stall progress.

What's next:

With the governance pact sealed, the focus now shifts entirely to the technical and sporting preparation for the 2026 season. Teams and regulators have a clear rulebook for how decisions will be made, aiming for a period of stability as they develop the next generation of cars and power units. This rare moment of unanimous agreement provides a settled foundation for the sport's next evolution.