FIA Confirms 2026 Energy Management Regulation Package for Miami Grand Prix
The FIA, Formula 1, and all team principals unanimously agreed a mid-season regulation package on April 20, effective from the Miami Grand Prix. The headline change reduces the maximum qualifying recharge from 8 megajoules to 7 megajoules, targeting excessive energy harvesting that produced sluggish corner behaviour in the opening three races. MGU-K deployment stays at 350 kilowatts through corner exits, braking zones, and overtaking areas, but drops to 250 kilowatts elsewhere on the lap. A revised race start procedure will be trialled in Miami before formal adoption. The changes follow persistent driver complaints about energy management workload from Australia, China, and Japan.
Sources: Formula 1, Motorsport.com, Speedcafe
Vasseur: Miami Grand Prix Marks the Start of a “New F1 Championship”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur declared that the Miami Grand Prix will effectively represent the beginning of a new championship, as most teams arrive with fundamentally revised cars for the first time this season. Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull have all used the five-week April break — extended by the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia — to produce their most significant aerodynamic updates since the new 2026 regulations came into force. Mercedes leads the constructors’ championship with 135 points, 45 ahead of Ferrari, but Vasseur expressed confidence that Ferrari’s Monza-tested package will close that gap substantially in Miami.
Sources: Motorsport.com, GPFans
Ferrari Tests Miami Upgrades with Lewis Hamilton at Monza Filming Day
Ferrari used an April filming day at Monza on April 22 to evaluate the aerodynamic package it plans to run at the Miami Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel of the SF-26. The test focused on a revised version of Ferrari’s rotating “Macarena” rear wing, alongside floor modifications and updated electrical charge management software aligned to the new 2026 energy regulations. Charles Leclerc also participated in data collection. Fred Vasseur described the outing as essential groundwork ahead of Miami, where Ferrari believes a substantially upgraded car can close the 45-point constructors’ gap to championship leaders Mercedes.
McLaren to Bring “Completely New Car” to Miami Grand Prix
McLaren principal Andrea Stella confirmed on April 22 that the team will introduce an entirely new aerodynamic specification of the MCL40 for the North American races beginning in Miami, targeting a reduction in the 89-point constructors’ deficit to Mercedes. The overhaul covers revisions across at least ten areas of the car, including updated cooling louvres, revised rear suspension and brake ducts, and a redesigned beam wing. Stella said bringing a completely new car — particularly from an aerodynamic standpoint — for the North American races was always the team’s intention. Lando Norris currently sits fifth in the drivers’ standings with 25 points.
Verstappen and Lambiase Reunite at Silverstone for Red Bull RB22 Test
Max Verstappen returned to Red Bull’s Silverstone facility on April 22 alongside race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase for a private session in an upgraded version of the RB22, as the four-time world champion applies pressure on the team ahead of Miami. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged the squad must demonstrate sufficient forward progress to retain Verstappen’s confidence after a difficult season start that has yielded only 16 constructors’ points. Verstappen sits ninth in the drivers’ championship with 12 points, 60 behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Red Bull’s Honda power unit has been among the least competitive in the 2026 hybrid era.
F1 Boss Domenicali: Verstappen’s Voice on 2026 Regulations “Has to Be Listened To”
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali responded on April 22 to Max Verstappen’s sustained public criticism of the 2026 technical regulations, saying the four-time world champion’s voice must be heard. Verstappen has been vocal about his frustration with the new hybrid energy management system, which compelled drivers to manage battery deployment extensively across each lap throughout the opening three rounds. Domenicali noted that driver feedback from high-profile figures carries considerable weight, and that the regulation package confirmed for Miami directly addresses many of the concerns raised. Verstappen sits ninth in the championship with 12 points after a challenging three-race start.
Sources: Motorsport.com
FIA Reviews ADUO Activation Timeline After Bahrain and Saudi Race Cancellations
The FIA is reviewing the activation schedule for the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) system after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled due to the regional conflict. Under the original plan, the first ADUO assessment was due after six races; with Miami as round four, the next evaluation would fall at Monaco in June rather than Miami in May. The governing body has submitted a proposal to bring the trigger point forward, preserving the system’s intent of allowing power unit manufacturers performing at least four percent below the field’s best to unlock additional homologation upgrades. A decision is expected before Miami.
Antonelli Holds Nine-Point Championship Lead as Miami Countdown Begins
Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Miami Grand Prix leading the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ championship with 72 points, nine ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell after three races in Australia, China, and Japan. The 18-year-old has won two of the opening three rounds and is the youngest driver in F1 history to head the standings. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is third with 49 points, 14 behind Russell, while Lewis Hamilton sits fourth with 41. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen languishes ninth with 12 points, making Miami a pivotal event for his title ambitions. Mercedes also leads the constructors’ championship with 135 points, 45 clear of Ferrari.
Sources: Formula 1, Motorsport.com
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 72 pts
2. George Russell — 63 pts
3. Charles Leclerc — 49 pts
4. Lewis Hamilton — 41 pts
5. Lando Norris — 25 pts
6. Oscar Piastri — 21 pts
7. Oliver Bearman — 17 pts
8. Pierre Gasly — 15 pts
9. Max Verstappen — 12 pts
10. Liam Lawson — 10 pts
11. Arvid Lindblad — 4 pts
12. Isack Hadjar — 4 pts
13. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
14. Carlos Sainz — 2 pts
15. Esteban Ocon — 1 pt
16. Franco Colapinto — 1 pt
17. Nico Hülkenberg — 0 pts
18. Alexander Albon — 0 pts
19. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
20. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
21. Fernando Alonso — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 135 pts
2. Ferrari — 90 pts
3. McLaren — 46 pts
4. Haas — 18 pts
5. Alpine — 16 pts
6. Red Bull — 16 pts
7. Racing Bulls — 14 pts
8. Audi — 2 pts
9. Williams — 2 pts
10. Cadillac — 0 pts
11. Aston Martin — 0 pts