Max Verstappen’s ‘prayers’ are still unanswered after 12 changes to the Formula 1 regulations

Follow us on Google Discover

Formula 1 and the FIA have made several adjustments to the 2026 regulations for the Miami Grand Prix, but even after the changes, Max Verstappen is unlikely to be satisfied.

Following numerous complaints from drivers and teams, the FIA have agreed to make multiple tweaks to the regulations ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. In total, 12 adjustments have been made, mostly aimed at improving qualifying, racing and safety.

With super-clipping preventing drivers from going flat out during qualifying, the maximum permitted recharge has been reduced to 7 MJ and the peak superclip power has been increased to 350kW. This is to allow for top performance over one lap.

Should F1 make small tweaks to the rules, rather than major changes?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Following Ollie Bearman’s 50G crash at Suzuka, F1 has capped the maximum boost available from the battery, as well as MGU-K deployment, to reduce excessive closing speeds.

A ‘low-power start detection’ system and warning system will be introduced to improve race starts, and the FIA have also addressed the tyre grip and car control in wet conditions. James Vowles says the changes are ‘sensible’, but they will not fully impress Verstappen.

Max Verstappen’s ‘prayers’ for 2026 regulations remain unanswered

Verstappen described the regulations as ‘Formula E on steroids’ after pre-season testing. He detests the need to constantly manage the battery and how drivers are not at full speed during qualifying.

Verstappen had tabled options to the FIA to make major changes to the regulations. He is not happy with the ruleset at all, to the point where he is considering his future in the sport.

F1 have addressed some of the issues with the rules, but as per a report from De Telegraaf, Verstappen’s ‘prayers’ are ‘certainly’ not answered with the changes ahead of Miami.

He knew that ‘massive changes’ were a ‘pipe dream’, but he does hope that those adjustments are made for 2027. Verstappen is one of the harshest critics of the regulations, but ‘behind the scenes’, F1’s leaders believe that many fans ‘appreciate the current style of racing’.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Mohammed Ben Sulayem says safety and fairness are F1’s highest priorities’

In an FIA statement, president Mohammed Ben Sulayem outlined the work that went into the changes for the Miami GP and how safety and sporting fairness are at the top of their priorities.

“I would like to praise everyone across the Formula 1 ecosystem – the FIA staff, teams, drivers and the Power Unit Manufacturers – for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short space of time.

“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula One.

“More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process.

“Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities. These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition. We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”