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Formula One Makes Rule Changes After Drivers’ Criticism
The FIA capped boost at 150kW and cut energy harvesting to 7 megajoules after drivers said the new hybrid rules slowed qualifying.
- On Monday, April 20, 2026, Formula One and the FIA finalized rule changes following a summit with team principals, set to be introduced for the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
- Four-Time world champion Max Verstappen led criticism of the new regulations, calling the 50-50 power split and boost button 'gimmicks' that forced drivers to manage batteries and slow on qualifying laps.
- Energy harvesting drops from eight megajoules to seven, while the hybrid power unit increases to 350kw; following British driver Ollie Bearman's high-speed Japan crash, the FIA capped the boost button at 150kw, 'limiting sudden performance differentials'.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff cautioned against sweeping overhauls, emphasizing the season is only three races old as changes aim to allow drivers to go 'flat-out' for longer in qualifying.
- Following an enforced five-week break caused by the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races due to Middle East conflict, the season resumes in Miami with further stakeholder discussions scheduled after the round.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources51
Leaning Left10Leaning Right8Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 32%
C 42%
R 26%
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