Samwise F1 Newsletter
Thursday, April 9, 2026
F1’s April 9 Crisis Summit Convenes as Teams and FIA Target Pre-Miami Rule Fixes
Formula 1’s first major rules summit of the 2026 season convenes virtually today, with technical directors from all ten teams joining FIA and FOM representatives to address the regulations widely blamed for dangerous speed differentials and chaotic energy management. Three headline priorities drive the agenda: safety — crystallised by Oliver Bearman’s 50G crash at Suzuka — qualifying performance, and the sudden speed drops at straight ends when battery power depletes. Today’s session is an initial ideas exchange; a full stakeholder meeting featuring drivers is expected later this month. All parties are targeting agreement on at least some changes before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Sources: Sky Sports | Autosport
The Race Reveals Six Fixes F1 Is Considering to Tame the 2026 Energy Problem
Six specific technical changes are reportedly under discussion ahead of today’s rules summit, according to The Race. The most straightforward would raise the superclipping energy harvest cap from 250kW to 350kW during full-throttle sections, reducing the incentive to lift-and-coast. A more significant step would slash qualifying energy recovery to as low as six megajoules, effectively removing the lap-time penalty for full-throttle laps. Further proposals include revisions to active aerodynamics mapping, modifications to engine elements, and broader regulatory simplification. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner reflected paddock consensus in noting that all teams, the FIA, and drivers agree qualifying should be a full-throttle session.
Sources: The Race | Sportsnaut
Ferrari Eyes Miami Upgrades After Filming Day Decision as ADUO Engine Boost Beckons
Ferrari is using the five-week April break to prepare aerodynamic and cooling upgrades for Miami, according to The Race. A revised floor originally intended for the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix will be tested during a 200km filming day at Monza on April 22, with a decision on Miami fitment made after that run. Ferrari believes it trails Mercedes by approximately 20bhp and is confident of receiving a power unit upgrade through the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities programme, known as ADUO. The first ADUO window opens after race six, giving Ferrari a potential performance boost as early as the Miami Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Contract Bars Team Orders as Ralf Schumacher Warns of Leclerc Tension
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has revealed that Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari contains a clause preventing the team from issuing team orders against him. Schumacher stated that even if team principal Fred Vasseur wanted to intervene in a Hamilton–Leclerc battle, the contract ties his hands. Hamilton currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 41 points, eight behind teammate Leclerc in third. The no-team-orders clause means Ferrari must rely on both drivers earning results on pure merit, a position that could create flashpoints as the season develops and championship implications become clearer from Miami onwards.
Sources: GPFans | GPFans (roundup)
Autosport: Which F1 Teams Stand to Win — and Lose — the Most From the April Break
Autosport has identified which teams are best and worst positioned to capitalise on Formula 1’s enforced five-week break before Miami. Aston Martin and Honda rank as the biggest potential winners, desperately needing time to address the severe vibrations from the AMR26’s power unit that have prevented both drivers from completing race distances. Red Bull are also highlighted, with the RB22 requiring fundamental development work before Verstappen can challenge for points consistently. At the other end, Mercedes faces the risk of losing race-weekend momentum built across the opening three rounds, while the break came too early for McLaren’s Suzuka resurgence to fully consolidate.
Sources: Autosport | Sky Sports
Pirelli Tyre Tests Keep Teams Busy: Ferrari at Fiorano Today, Mercedes and McLaren to Nürburgring
Pirelli is keeping Formula 1 teams occupied during the April break with a pre-arranged tyre development programme. Ferrari’s car is being used for a wet-weather test at Fiorano today and tomorrow, while Mercedes and McLaren are scheduled for a dry-tyre test at Germany’s Nürburgring on April 14 and 15. Williams have committed to running their simulator every day of the break and conducting pit-stop practice at their factory, while Ferrari has also booked a filming day at Monza on April 22. According to GrandPrix247, Pirelli’s programme ensures that even amid the calendar gap, valuable tyre development data continues to be gathered.
Sources: GrandPrix247 | Sky Sports
What Is ADUO? The FIA’s Power Unit Lifeline Explained as Ferrari Eyes an Engine Boost
The FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities programme — known as ADUO — is a regulation safety net built into the 2026 rules to prevent power unit manufacturers from falling too far behind. Eligible teams must demonstrate a defined performance deficit to unlock one of three upgrade windows: after races six, twelve, and eighteen. Ferrari are expected to be the primary beneficiary, with estimates placing their engine around 20bhp below the class-leading Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli confirmed this week that Ferrari are on course to receive an ADUO allocation, which could allow significant engine upgrades from as early as the Miami Grand Prix.
Sources: GPFans | GPFans (Antonelli)
Championship Standings
Drivers: 1. Antonelli (72) | 2. Russell (63) | 3. Leclerc (49)
Constructors: 1. Mercedes (135) | 2. Ferrari (90) | 3. McLaren (46)
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