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F1 Agrees 2026 Energy-Use Tweaks for Miami to Restore Flat-Out Qualifying and Curb Speed Gaps

The FIA says the tweaks will cut risky speed gaps to let drivers push harder.

Overview

  • F1, the FIA, all teams and engine makers unanimously backed a targeted rules package on Monday that now goes to a World Motor Sport Council e‑vote for use at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
  • Qualifying will allow more full‑throttle laps by cutting per‑lap battery recharge to 7MJ from 8MJ and raising “super‑clip” recovery to 350kW so drivers harvest faster without lifting off.
  • Race deployment is being reined in with a +150kW cap on the overtake boost, while MGU‑K output — the axle‑mounted electric motor — stays at 350kW in passing zones and is limited to 250kW in other sections.
  • Miami will also trial a low‑power start safeguard that auto‑deploys the MGU‑K for cars that launch too slowly and triggers flashing rear and side lights to warn those behind.
  • The package follows Oliver Bearman’s high‑G Suzuka crash and weeks of driver input, though some — including Max Verstappen — say deeper fixes may still be needed and could be assessed for 2027.