FIA issue statements after F1 Commission and Power Unit Advisory Committee meetings

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, have issued a pair of updates following meetings of the F1 Commission and the F1 Power Unit Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

In the F1 Commission gathering chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, refinements to the 2026 F1 regulations were agreed and will now be referred to the World Motor Sport Council for approval.

“In common with the introduction of such significant regulatory changes, there are still collective learnings to be taken from pre-season testing,” read the statement on the F1 Commission meeting.

“As a group – the teams, the power unit manufacturers, FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) – there was a commitment to work through all technical aspects ahead of the opening race of the 2026 season in Melbourne next month.

“Constructive discussion took place among all the teams following initial feedback from drivers arising from a survey instigated by the FIA. Topics covered include overall car characteristics, energy and power unit, aerodynamics, overtaking and racing, tyres and mechanical grip.

“Positive feedback from drivers was received on the reduced weight and smaller dimensions of the 2026 cars. Drivers generally agreed that the new car exhibited improved ride quality and stronger initial acceleration.

“Further evaluation and technical checks on energy management matters will be carried out over the following three days at the second pre-season test in Bahrain.

“It was agreed that no immediate major regulatory changes were required given that initial evidence and feedback remains immature and that premature change carried the risk of increased instability ahead of the first race. Further reviews will be carried out once more data becomes available.

“There were constructive talks and proposals centred on the race start procedure during the commission meeting. As a result, further evaluation of updates to race systems and on-car management will be undertaken during the current Bahrain test.”

There were also discussions around the possibility of increasing the number of Sprint events up to 12 given the demand from fans and promoters.

Alongside the F1 Commission update, there was a development from the F1 Power Unit Advisory Committee regarding the assessment of the power unit compression ratio in running conditions.

“Over recent weeks and months, the FIA and the power unit manufacturers have collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions,” read the statement.

“Following validation of this approach, a proposal has been submitted whereby, from August 1, 2026, compliance with the compression ratio limit must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions, but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C.

“The vote has been submitted to the power unit manufacturers, and its outcome is expected within the next 10 days and will be communicated in due course.”

As with all F1 regulatory changes, and as touched on above, any amendments remain subject to final approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.