Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that changes to the Formula 1 regulations will be introduced for the remainder of the 2026 season, following a series of complaints from teams and drivers.
The decision comes after ongoing discussions between the FIA, teams, and engine manufacturers regarding a technical issue known as “super clipping.” This phenomenon occurs when the electric deployment from a car’s power unit suddenly drops, creating noticeable speed differences between cars on track. The inconsistency has raised both safety and sporting concerns, prompting urgent calls for action across the paddock.
The issue gained particular attention during the race weekend at Suzuka Circuit, where Oliver Bearman was involved in a heavy crash. The Haas F1 Team driver encountered a dangerous situation while approaching Franco Colapinto, who was in the process of harvesting energy. The sudden speed differential forced Bearman into an evasive move, ultimately sending him into the tyre barriers with a significant 50G impact. The incident intensified concerns about the risks posed by the current system.
In response, a key meeting was held on Monday involving all major stakeholders in Formula 1. Representatives from teams, the FIA, and power unit suppliers came together to finalize an agreement aimed at addressing the problem. While the governing body has not yet released full technical details of the changes, it is understood that the revisions will specifically target the causes of super clipping and seek to minimize its impact during races.
Ben Sulayem praised the collaborative effort that led to the agreement, highlighting the speed at which all parties worked to find a solution. He acknowledged the commitment shown across the sport, noting that despite disruptions to the calendar, stakeholders remained focused on protecting the integrity of Formula 1.
He also underlined the importance of driver involvement in the process. According to the FIA president, feedback from drivers played a central role in shaping the upcoming changes. Their firsthand experience of the issue on track helped guide discussions and ensured that safety considerations remained a top priority throughout.
The planned rule adjustment is expected to improve both safety and competitive balance. By reducing unpredictable speed variations, the FIA aims to create a more consistent racing environment, lowering the risk of similar incidents while also ensuring fairer competition between teams.
Although specific implementation details are still to be confirmed, the announcement signals a proactive step by the FIA in addressing one of the most pressing technical concerns of the season. It also reflects a broader effort to respond more quickly to emerging challenges in an increasingly complex era of Formula 1.
With the 2026 season already delivering intense racing and evolving storylines, the upcoming regulation changes are likely to play a significant role in shaping the remainder of the championship. Teams and drivers will now turn their attention to how these adjustments affect performance and strategy in the races ahead.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the FIA’s response to issues like super clipping will be closely watched, with the governing body under pressure to maintain both safety standards and the competitive spirit of the sport.