Apr.7 (GMM) Pressure is mounting on Formula 1 chiefs to act on the controversial 2026 regulations, with a key April 9 meeting looming and momentum building for at least partial changes.
There is growing consensus in the paddock that qualifying will be the first area to be addressed.
“If there’s one thing we all agree on – teams, FIA, Formula 1, drivers – it’s that we all want to see qualifying as a full-throttle session,” said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.
“That’s the first thing we as a sport focus on.”
Beyond qualifying, however, the path forward is far less clear.
Multiple possible measures are on the table, including increasing ‘super clipping’ power, reducing overall energy use, lowering recharge limits per lap, allowing full active aero in qualifying, and shifting the balance back toward the combustion engine.
Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko says change is essential.
“Whether this can be fixed in one season, I don’t know,” he told Kleine Zeitung.
“But something has to be done and the driving aspect has to come to the fore again.
“The mood among the drivers is negative. The system has to change now and hopefully the FIA will do everything they can to reduce the battery proportion and put more emphasis on the combustion engine,” Marko added.
He added: “In that respect, the two cancelled races aren’t so bad.”
Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine was even more blunt, warning the current situation risks both spectacle and safety.
“I don’t like it at all,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They definitely need to make some changes – it can’t all be about how much battery power is left.
“I love electric cars – I own four – but it makes no sense to try to make the top category eco-friendly. And these cars are dangerous.”
Referring to Oliver Bearman’s Suzuka crash, he added: “Yes, he was going much faster than Franco Colapinto and had to avoid him. It reminded me of the incident that cost Hitoshi Ogawa his life. Fortunately, this time the cars didn’t touch.”
However, not everyone is convinced safety should be used as the main lever for change – including Bearman’s own boss, Ayao Komatsu.
“We have to very carefully weigh up sporting aspects against safety. We shouldn’t use safety as an excuse,” said the Haas team boss.
Komatsu urged patience given the limited data so far.
“We need to make sure we collect enough data. We’ve had three events. There was one incident.”
He added that the upcoming discussions must remain balanced.
“I don’t yet know what the solution will be. But we need to remain calm and discuss all of this together as the F1 Commission.
“As the F1 community, we need to address this together. We can’t ignore it.”
Longer term, more radical ideas are already being floated. According to Auto Motor und Sport journalist Michael Schmidt, Formula 1 could even consider abandoning hybrid systems altogether.
“Theoretically, the hybrid component could disappear completely. CO2-neutral fuels would be enough to make series production profitable,” he said.
“Manufacturers, however, are likely to intervene in this. The current favourite is a 2.4-litre V8 turbocharged engine.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES