The world of Formula 1 is preparing for another seismic regulatory shift, with the FIA reportedly planning a fresh set of safety-focused rules to ensure that the next generation of cars does not push speed limits to potentially dangerous extremes.
According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, the governing body is finalizing measures that will restrict just how much power teams can deploy on certain tracks once the 2026 regulations take effect. These measures come in response to projections that the new cars, blending stronger hybrid systems with traditional combustion engines, could exceed 1,000 horsepower and touch speeds well beyond 400 kilometers per hour (248 mph).
Power Surge Concerns
At the core of the issue is the expanded hybrid system. Starting in 2026, the electrical unit will deliver 350 kW – nearly triple the 120 kW available in 2025. Combined with the internal combustion engine’s 540–580 bhp output, teams would theoretically have access to more than 1,000 bhp. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff even suggested that cars could reach 400 kph under these conditions, raising alarm bells about safety in specific environments like street circuits.
The Monaco tunnel, for example, could see cars firing out at nearly 350 kph (217 mph), a speed considered unmanageable for a circuit with such tight confines. Similarly, Singapore’s night race layout poses risks if such extreme speeds are realized.
New Power Modes for Street Circuits
To address this, the FIA is expected to enforce reduced power modes – dubbed Rev1 mode – at Monaco and Singapore. This system will limit how much performance drivers can extract from their cars, both in standard running and during override scenarios, effectively capping speeds for safety.
At the remaining circuits on the calendar, full power will still be available, giving teams and drivers freedom to unleash the new technology as they see fit.
Battery Energy Restrictions
The FIA’s reported rulebook also introduces new limitations on energy storage and deployment. On 12 of the 24 tracks, cars will be allowed to capture up to 9 megajoules of energy across practice, qualifying, and override mode, with a race-day cap of 8.5 MJ.
This includes high-speed venues such as Spa, Suzuka, Miami, and Madrid. However, faster circuits like Jeddah and Monza will face stricter caps – 6.5 MJ in qualifying for Jeddah and just 6.0 MJ for Monza – ensuring that outright performance is kept in check.
Combustion Engine Tweaks and Override Zones
Further adjustments are planned to prevent abrupt speed drops on straights. On ultra-fast tracks such as Silverstone, Spa, Monza, and Las Vegas, the reduction in combustion engine power will be halved from 100 kW to 50 kW. This measure is aimed at avoiding dangerous scenarios where cars suddenly decelerate relative to rivals.
Additionally, override mode – the feature designed to provide bursts of extra power – will only be permitted once per lap, similar to the current DRS zones. However, these override areas will not necessarily align with the existing DRS zones, adding a new strategic dimension for drivers.
Balancing Innovation and Safety
The FIA’s upcoming rule adjustments reflect the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation, spectacle, and safety in Formula 1. The push for sustainability has led to significant investment in hybrid technology, but the resulting leap in performance risks outpacing the safety standards of existing circuits.
By enforcing track-specific power limits and energy usage caps, the FIA aims to prevent runaway speeds while still allowing teams to experiment with the next evolution of F1 technology. For fans, this means that while the cars of 2026 may be among the fastest machines the sport has ever seen, safety remains the overriding priority.
The official confirmation of these rules is expected later this year, as teams continue preparing for one of the most radical overhauls in modern F1 history.