Although there are no Formula 1 cars on track in April, the first of a series of key meetings – that could have a major bearing on how the action looks when the season does resume – will be held on Thursday. The cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as a result of the conflict in the Middle East created a five-week gap in the calendar before the Miami Grand Prix from May 1-3.
The extended period following the opening three rounds in Australia, China and Japan has given the sport’s bosses time to reflect on – and potentially adjust – the new regulations introduced for the 2026 season.
While the introduction of new power units and chassis has brought some successes, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton saying he has enjoyed the racing more than ever, there have also been imperfections.Discussions on the regulations were always planned after the early rounds but they were brought under renewed focus by events in Suzuka, which included fresh driver criticism of energy-management requirements during qualifying and a dangerous crash for Oliver Bearman amid a significant speed differential with the car he was following.
Max Verstappen has been particularly vocal about the situation, with the four-time world champion claiming he is considering quitting the sport at the end of the season if the regulations aren’t altered to something nearer his liking.
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A look at Max Verstappen’s disappointing start to the 2026 Formula 1 season
What could be up for discussion?F1’s new power-unit regulations see a 50 per cent split between electrical output and internal combustion engine output. The extra reliance on electricity means the drivers need to recharge their battery in an optimal way, or the car does it for them by ‘super clipping’ – slowing down to recharge the battery.
This contributed to Bearman’s big crash at Suzuka, which saw the Haas driver take to the grass to avoid the Alpine of Franco Colapinto, who was slowing down to recharge his battery.The drivers appear to be largely united in wanting to alter this element to avoid the potential danger of situations such as the one Bearman found himself in.Williams’ Carlos Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, revealed the…
2026-04-08 13:00:00
