The FIA has shared the WMSC decisions related to F1 with extensive changes to regulation for 2026, as fastest lap point gets dropped for 2025.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council approved certain decisions relating to the 2025 and most importantly 2026 F1 seasons, especially on how the regulation is written. The key change regarding next season is removal of fastest lap point.
It was introduced in 2019 where anyone setting the fastest lap in a grand prix finishing inside the Top 10, was eligible to one extra point. Several drivers and teams used means to score a point, which included late stops when the driver had a free stop to undertake.
There were some rumbles of it being removed from 2025 onward and the decision has been approved by the FIA WMSC. They have also agreed to increase of FP1 rookie session, wherein teams will now have to give away two sessions per car.
That means four sessions across two cars, with the teams having to adjust those along with sprint races. On 2026 side, they have agreed to changes on Technical Regulations (Section C), Sporting Regulations (Section B) and Financial Regulations (Section D).
2026 –
A significant update for the regulations set to govern the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship and beyond was presented during the World Council. This includes a reorganisation of the way the regulations are laid out, which will be divided into thematic sections for clarity and consistency. The transition to the new structure will be concluded in the next few months.
The 2026 Technical Regulations (Section C), originally approved in June 2024, were subject to extensive enhancements to the aerodynamic regulations, which have been the subject of a strong collaboration between the FIA, FOM and the Formula 1 teams. This will see a higher performance from the cars, while maintaining management of the wake characteristics to promote close and exciting racing.
The 2026 Sporting Regulations (Section B) have undergone a significant update in order to simplify and modernise their structure. They have introduced measures to regulate the energy management of the Power Units as well as the management of the adjustable aerodynamics, which will involve the deployment of the “straight-line mode” (low drag) and the “cornering mode” (high downforce). In addition, there will be three pre-season tests of three days each for the 2026 season to account for the new power units that will be adopted.
The 2026 Financial Regulations (Section D) have built on the experience gained by the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams since the first introduction of Financial Regulations in 2021. Significant effort has been made to simplify the regulations by changes in the perimeter of exclusions and adjustment methodologies and to strengthen measures available to FIA to monitor compliance to the Financial Regulations. The overall level of the cost cap has remained – in effect – equivalent to the current levels, while the changes to the actual number reflect the changes to exclusion and adjustment perimeter and the effect of cumulative inflation.
Further elements will be submitted to the World Council for approval in the coming months to complete the regulation package for 2026, while refinements to the already approved sections will continue with the collaboration between the FIA, FOM and the Formula 1 teams.
2024, 2025 changes –
Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap and the increase in requirement for fielding a young driver during free practice from once per season to two times per season.
Here’s F1 drivers on penalty points
Here’s F1 drivers on rising costs for junior championships
Here’s F1 deal with Hot Wheels
Here’s latest from F1 Commission
Here’s F1 signing deal with LVMH
Here’s link to a F1 Discord channel, join in to interact