FIA announces 2025 F1 rule changes, outlines 2026 changes

The FIA ​​has unveiled a series of changes to the 2025 Formula 1 rules governing driver cooling and the application of DRS, and has also revealed revised rules for 2026.

Following the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in Rwanda, Expected inclusion of driver cooling – When the temperature in a race exceeds a certain level it is flagged by new “Heat Hazard” rules – this has been confirmed with more stringent rules for DRS.

The new rules dictate that, once the FIA’s official weather radar predicts temperatures over 30.5C (or when called by the Race Director before an event), a ‘heat threat’ will be declared.

This will require teams to equip drivers with their own cooling systems, and the minimum weight for the entire weekend will be increased by 5 kilograms to compensate for the increased mass of driver equipment.

Additionally, the slot gap for the rear wing between the two modes of DRS has been changed, presumably to cover any attempts to repeat the “mini-DRS” trick used by McLaren in 2024 by reducing the minimum gap. Has been done.

This was a solution where the wing slot gap was opened marginally on the straights to reduce drag, which was particularly seen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the rear wing of the two MCL38 cars.

The minimum gap has reduced from 10-15 mm to 9.4-13 mm and, with DRS open, the upper limit remains at 85 mm. The FIA ​​has also tightened the rules on DRS mode, stating that there should only be two conditions – and the wing must be defined exactly as in starting mode, eliminating the application of DRS.

For 2026, the rules governing the application of active aerodynamics have been fully clarified with floor body dimensions. Some minor changes to the aero package for 2026 are also detailed.

The active aero rules now make it completely clear that there can be two affected flaps on the front wing, which require them to enter two different modes – one for cornering, one for straight-line use. This includes physical stops to prevent the wing elements from rotating more than the required amount.

Previously released FIA renders also show that smaller winglets can now be mounted on the outside of the front wing endplates.

The rules for the rear wing have also changed; Previously mandating that teams must use three elements to form a rear wing, this has been amended to “up to three” – allowing the two-element rear wing to remain.

It also changed the active aerodynamics rules to fit two and three element wings, where all but the lower main aircraft element could be rotated.

Additionally, the floor scope has been opened up; To overall increase the downforce generated by the new design, winglets and fence bodywork as well as a floor sidewall have been detailed.

The bodywork around the wheels has also been revised, with regulations adding deflectors and a ‘debris guard’ – with wheel drum regulations revised to match the new additions.