Piastri says FIA’s 2026 rule tweaks are a step forward, but track quirks remain

The FIA’s 2026 rule package – designed to unclamp qualifying power and calm start‑line incidents – earned a cautious thumbs‑up from McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri. He says the tweaks should let drivers stay flat‑out longer in Q‑sessions and cut the chance of chain‑reaction crashes, but each circuit will still pose its own set of challenges.

Why it matters:

• Flat‑out caps in qualifying have limited top‑speed laps, dulling the spectacle and narrowing strategic options.
• Start‑line speed crashes – the Suzuka Bearman‑Colapinto clash – have raised safety concerns.
• Easing the caps restores a more aggressive, fan‑friendly style that could reshuffle the championship.

The details:

• Super‑clip boost – peak qualifying power is raised, shrinking the low‑power window and letting drivers stay flat‑out longer.
• Boost‑button mapping – revised to smooth power delivery; teams expect occasional quirks as drivers adapt.
• Harvest limit – lowered, giving teams extra flexibility in managing engine component wear across the season.
• Start‑procedure – clearer grid‑release timing and tighter false‑start penalties aim to curb multi‑car pile‑ups.

What's next:

• Piastri will test the new rules at the next three Grands Prix, from Melbourne’s high‑downforce street circuit to Barcelona’s medium‑speed layout.
• The FIA will review data from the opening races and may fine‑tune the package before the mid‑season break if safety or competition issues persist.