F1 Drivers Cautious on Limited Impact of New FIA Regulation Changes

Formula 1 drivers at the Miami International Autodrome for the Miami Grand Prix downplayed expectations for significant improvements following recent regulation changes introduced by the FIA. While acknowledging the adjustments, they stressed that the full effects remain uncertain until on-track testing begins.

“I guess it’s a tickle,” said Max Verstappen. “You know, it’s not what we need yet to really make it flat out. But it’s complicated to get everyone to agree. I just hope for next year we can make really big, big changes.”

Verstappen also highlighted the positive dialogue between Formula 1 and the FIA, calling it a potential starting point for future progress. “The positive thing about it is that we had some nice meetings with Formula 1 and the FIA,” he added. “And I think that’s probably a starting point hopefully for the future.”

Lewis Hamilton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for drivers to have a more active role in regulation-making. “All the drivers we do work together, we all meet—but the fact is we don’t have a seat at the table,” Hamilton stated. “We do engage with the FIA and F1; F1’s more often a little bit more responsive. But being that we’re not stakeholders—we don’t have a seat at the table currently, which I think needs to change.”

Hamilton urged collaboration with governing bodies and teams, particularly on tire development, to avoid criticism without constructive input. “Speak to us, we’ll work hand in hand, and we can work together to approach the FIA so we can get a better product,” he said. “But it’s like a [broken] record—you keep doing it, and it’s like small baby steps each time.”

Gabi Bortoleto of Audi offered a more optimistic view, acknowledging progress in the right direction. “I think it’s going in the right direction,” Bortoleto noted.

The regulation changes focus primarily on energy management and deployment, with no major hardware modifications expected. As a result, drivers and teams anticipate only incremental improvements rather than transformative shifts in performance.