FIA Bans Boost in Wet Conditions as Part of 2026 F1 Regulation Refinements

The FIA has banned the use of full 'boost' mode in wet conditions, effective from this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, as part of ongoing refinements to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. The change aims to improve safety and drivability by preventing sharp power surges in low-grip scenarios, directly addressing driver concerns about the new generation of high-hybrid-power, lower-downforce cars.

Why it matters:

The 2026 cars are designed with significantly more instant electric power (up to 350 kW) but less mechanical and aerodynamic grip. Drivers have warned this combination could make the cars dangerously unstable in the rain. By proactively limiting power deployment in wet conditions, the FIA is attempting to mitigate a major safety risk before it leads to an incident, ensuring closer and more controllable racing when visibility and grip are already compromised.

The details:

• The specific change is formalized in the Sporting Regulations as Article B7.2.1g, which states that in 'Low Grip Conditions,' the use of Boost mode 'will be inhibited and is not allowed.'
• This ban applies specifically to sessions declared wet by Race Control, starting with the Miami GP.
• In dry conditions, a separate rule refinement also limits energy deployment to prevent sudden, large speed differentials between cars. If a car is using less than 150 kW of electric power, it can only boost up to that 150 kW threshold, not to full power.
• Overtaking assistance systems (DRS) will remain available in a limited form in the wet.
• Teams will still be allowed to make certain aerodynamic adjustments, like front wing tweaks, to manage car balance, but rear wings will be locked in a fixed configuration.

What's next:

With rain forecast for the Miami Grand Prix, the revised system could get its first real-world test immediately. The FIA emphasizes these are controlled refinements, not a fundamental redesign, and will continue to monitor feedback from teams and drivers as they adapt to the new car behaviors. The success of these tweaks will be judged on whether they improve safety without diluting the competitive essence of the racing, setting a precedent for further adjustments ahead of the full 2026 ruleset.