F1
2026 Regulations: After Suzuka, the FIA takes a wait-and-see approach but opens the door to a reassessment
© Florent Gooden / DPPI
Oliver Bearman's crash at Suzuka didn't trigger a hasty reaction, but it did serve as a wake-up call. In its official statement, the FIA implicitly acknowledges that certain mechanisms in the 2026 regulations—particularly energy management—can generate significant speed differences on the track. This observation had already been made beforehand, but it's now difficult to ignore after an incident of this magnitude. Rather than announcing immediate measures, the Federation reiterates that "Since their introduction, the 2026 regulations have been the subject of ongoing discussions between the FIA, the teams, the power unit manufacturers, the drivers and FOM."
In other words, the current system is not set in stone. The philosophy of the regulations is based precisely on an observation phase at the beginning of the season, before any intervention. "All stakeholders have consistently agreed that a thorough review should take place after the opening phase of the season, in order to allow for the collection and analysis of a sufficient volume of data." In practical terms, Suzuka does not change the FIA's meeting schedule, but it does reinforce its importance. The meetings planned for the coming weeks, particularly the one on April 9th, are now crucial for deciding on any necessary adjustments. The question is no longer whether adjustments will be made, but to what extent they will be required.
Following the accident involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix and the contribution of high closing speeds in the accident, the FIA would like to provide the following clarifications.#FIA #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/STFLrtkT9x
- FIA (@fia) March 29, 2026
The FIA insists, however, on a key point: any modification, particularly to energy management, cannot be improvised. "Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis." This stance reflects a desire to avoid any emotional reaction. Despite the emotion aroused by the accident, the Federation refuses to give in to the media frenzy and favors a technical, structured, and collective approach.
A necessary reaction after the Bearman crash
At the same time, safety remains the central argument. Without announcing any specific changes, the FIA reiterates that it retains the ability to intervene if necessary. "The FIA will continue to work closely and constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport, and safety will always remain at the heart of the FIA's mission."
Underlying this communication is akin to controlled crisis management: acknowledging the problem without dramatizing it, staying the course while leaving the door open for changes. The FIA is seeking to maintain control of the pace, while criticism—particularly from Carlos Sainz Jr., director of the GPDA — are becoming increasingly insistent. "At this stage, any speculation regarding the nature of potential changes would be premature. Further information will be provided in due course." The statement continues. The next steps will therefore take place away from the track, around the discussion table, during the April break caused by the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix.
ALSO READ > VIDEO – Oliver Bearman's violent crash at Suzuka
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christian
02/04/2026 at 10:32 a.m.
How beautiful was the Formula 1 of my childhood! The best drivers braked the latest, took the esses of the Ricard glassworks with their wheels flat out, and the sweeping curves demanded pure courage and talent. It was an extreme sport; the drivers were modern-day knights, and we worshipped them like gods. If the new fans are truly enjoying this farce, it's beyond comprehension.
vincent moyet
30/03/2026 at 12:17 a.m.
But overtaking like that—a significantly faster car overtaking one that's practically crawling along on a straight—has nothing to do with motorsport. And that's all there was. And that's what the FIA and LM wanted to introduce to "create a spectacle," and it's extremely dangerous. From what I'm reading elsewhere, the grid could seriously lose renowned drivers like Verstappen and Sainz. When even the best drivers no longer want to race in F1, what kind of image does that project?
Paul Lucas
30/03/2026 at 09:19 a.m.
I mostly agree with your comments... BUT for once in a long time, I didn't fall asleep this morning, and there were still a lot more overtakes than last year!!! But in truth, what's needed are competent people at the FIA, preferably people who've actually sat in a racing seat, to take the normal measures for driving an F1 car...
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
30/03/2026 at 03:46 a.m.
I have to reiterate what I think of these regulations… They're pure crap! I watched the GP again this afternoon on RTBF. Sometimes… you need to take a step back to have a neutral opinion! I agree with everyone's opinions, but now there's a month-long break, so they have plenty of time to change the regulations and go against the fans… As for the incident between FC and Oliver, we narrowly avoided disaster… What are we waiting for to impose sanctions? FC deserves a sanction, a one- or two-race ban… It's obvious in the replay! What are we waiting for? alainkf1@pt.lu
vincent moyet
29/03/2026 at 08:30 a.m.
"Energy is our future, let's save it." F1, dictated by industrial interests, has reached this point. And a bunch of overpaid, hypocritical clowns are still trying to turn it into a "spectacle."
CLAUDE PLANCON
29/03/2026 at 07:52 a.m.
"The Federation refuses to give in to media pressure," laughable when there's a real security emergency! So, the urgent thing to do is nothing, pathetic. The technocratic engineers have concocted a set of rules worthy of a carnival game, with a Mikey tail (dangling) for whoever saves energy, at the expense of the fastest.
vincent moyet
29/03/2026 at 07:26 a.m.
And we haven't yet seen a car fly off with its wings open in the same situation, or even land in the stands like Stommelen did in 1975 in Spain. The warning is serious: pointless overtaking, drivers endlessly repeating the danger and artificiality of the current rules, which consequently gives F1 a very, very negative image. By playing with fire, the FIA and Liberty risk creating a mix of Mario Kart and circus acts that will turn sour. The worst thing is to be in denial, continuing to pretend that the fans (which ones? 10-year-olds???) are delighted.
DANIEL MEYERS
29/03/2026 at 06:07 a.m.
And there you have it, we've reached industrial disaster. Our F1 is exploding in mid-air. What can be said about this GP weekend? Lamentable, unacceptable, ridiculous, pathetic, not to mention Bearman's crash! Qualifying was a sham, despite measures having been taken, and the GP had a SINGLE overtake that ended favorably for the drivers. The 13/20 score given by Canal+ is still quite generous. I'm curious and worried about the ratings curve, as well as print/web sales for the rest of the year, because we'll have to face the facts: the toy is broken, and I think there can only be minor adjustments this year, if they're even sensible, while the governing bodies are still claiming that the majority of fans are delighted with the GPs! Yet the comments from Verstappen, Leclerc, Alonso, Sainz (among others) leave no room for doubt. In short, things aren't just simmering anymore, they're burning bright and badly. (To top it all off, Canal+, perhaps sensing what's coming, treated us to a low-budget coverage; Marguerite and Montagny weren't even on site.) The coming months might not be all sunshine and roses, but fortunately, things are looking much better for... Alpine (except that Galy is all alone!) As for Hadjar, how can we form an opinion since Max isn't really there, and then for Ocon, he's more at war with Bearman than at work for Haas.
Yves-Henri RANDIER
29/03/2026 at 04:33 a.m.
Speed discrepancies that Carlos Sainz and the GPDA had already brought to the FIA's attention as early as 2025. It could have been much more dramatic for Bearman, who escaped relatively unscathed with his 50G impact, although I imagine it must leave some lasting effects, especially the next morning. It's fortunate that the FIA decided to react before a catastrophe occurred. The involuntary four-week break will allow for a thorough review of all the data collected during the first three races and for appropriate decisions to be made, even if it's impossible to significantly alter the current regulations...
Herve 06
29/03/2026 at 04:14 a.m.
The FIA needs to react very quickly. Verstappen has just announced he will leave F1 at the end of the season. If we don't quickly put an end to this charade of a race, the consequences for the sport could be disastrous.
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
29/03/2026 at 03:56 a.m.
It's time to change some of the F1 rules. The starting method, and especially the battery 🪫. After that, try to balance the engine performance... Honda is struggling... and other points, starting with the next GP. alainkf1@pt.lu Alain Féguenne F1 Competitions - 24 Hours of Le Mans - WEC