Formula 1 has decided to partially restore the boost mode for the remainder of the 2026 season, in response to safety concerns, after the FIA World Motorsport Council ratified a series of regulatory changes.
Earlier this year, the FIA had banned the use of boost mode in wet conditions, as drivers expressed concerns about the significant increase in torque that posed a safety risk. The 2026 cars were already having difficulties being driven on mapped surfaces.
Now, the FIA has adjusted the system, reintroducing boost mode only to prevent power from decreasing as cars slow down on straights, without effectively increasing power. This should help to reduce speed differences in low visibility situations.
In its report, the FIA notes that “in low-grip conditions, when the track is wet and visibility is poor, the boost mode has been reintroduced, but it is restricted to preventing power reduction without increasing output. The overtaking function will be disabled. These modifications have been made for safety reasons.”
Additionally, the heat warning declaration will be split between sprint races and the main race, allowing the warning to apply to one or the other, if necessary. The Council has stated that the declaration will be made 24 hours before the start of the competition, requiring drivers to use cooling vests or carry extra weight if so declared.
The Council, meeting in Macau, also approved other technical and sporting changes that will be implemented starting in 2027. One of the most significant is the change in the power ratio between combustion and electric energy, which will initially be 58-42 percent and will reach 60-40 percent by 2028. These adjustments will be made without drastically altering the equipment or chassis, limiting recognition wheels to specific circuits like Monza.
Preparation for the 2027 season will also see an increase in the number of preseason testing days, going from three to four, due to the overall complexity of the current generation vehicles.
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated that “the FIA continues to monitor the evolution of the 2026 regulations and working closely with all stakeholders in the motorsport world.” He highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to ensure that regulations adapt to the needs of the sport, drivers, and fans.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
