F1 ready to review 2026 rules after Australian GP concerns

March 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

Formula 1 officials are already reviewing elements of the sport’s new 2026 regulations after concerns emerged during the opening race of the season in Australia.

According to The Race, the FIA and Formula 1 management acknowledge that the current energy-harvesting system used in the new power units may not yet be operating at the intended level. Discussions about potential adjustments are expected to take place after the Chinese Grand Prix once teams and regulators have more race data to analyse.

If changes are deemed necessary, some tweaks could be introduced before the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29.

The 2026 rules introduced lighter, smaller chassis and a new generation of hybrid power units that rely more heavily on electrical energy deployment. While the cars themselves have received positive feedback from drivers, concerns have emerged about how the energy systems perform during races.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was among those calling for improvements following the season opener.

“I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this. So let’s see what we can do," Verstappen told the media after the race.

"I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action."

He added: “We just want the best for the sport. It’s not that we are critical, just to be critical."

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed that teams agreed to gather more data before making any immediate regulatory adjustments.

"The teams' unanimous position was that we should stick to the current arrangements for the first few races and to review the matter when we have a bit more data," he said.

"Our intention is after China to be reviewing the energy management situation."

Tombazis added that the governing body already has potential solutions under consideration but wants to avoid reacting too quickly.

"We have a few aces up our sleeves on that, which we didn't want to introduce ahead of the first race as a kneejerk reaction, and which we will review with the teams after China."

He also stressed that any changes must improve the racing rather than risk making the situation worse.

"I think the worst thing we can do is change it and make it worse," he added.

The debate intensified after the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where Mercedes secured a one-two finish with George Russell winning from pole position ahead of rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc briefly challenged for the lead after a strong start off the line, highlighting the early competitiveness of the new generation of cars.

Officials will now study data from the next races before deciding whether adjustments to the 2026 package are required.

Sources: The Race, FIA media briefings.