Formula 1 is set for a significant transformation following the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s recent meeting in Paris. Among the immediate changes, F1 has decided to ditch the extra point for the fastest lap at the end of this season, a feature that has been in place since 2019. The move was one of several key updates that also included a substantial overhaul of the 2026 technical regulations, which promise to reshape the sport’s aerodynamics and power unit management.
The decision to drop the fastest lap point, which rewarded any driver finishing in the top 10 with an additional point if they set the quickest lap, will take effect immediately after the conclusion of the current season. Since its introduction, the point for the fastest lap has added an extra layer of intrigue to race strategy, but F1 has now opted to eliminate the rule as part of broader sporting adjustments.
Additionally, the FIA has doubled the requirement for teams to field young drivers in free practice sessions. Each team will now need to run rookies during two free practice sessions per car — meaning a total of four sessions per season — instead of the current two.
However, the most significant and long-term changes came in the form of the revised 2026 regulations, which received a major update following extensive feedback from teams. The new aerodynamic rules, developed through collaboration between the FIA, FOM, and the teams, aim to boost the performance of the cars while continuing to manage aerodynamic wake to promote closer and more exciting racing.
The revised technical regulations, which will come into effect in 2026, include key features aimed at improving the balance between high-speed and cornering performance. The cars will feature adjustable aerodynamics, with a “straight-line mode” (low drag) for speed on long straights and a “cornering mode” (high downforce) to optimize performance in tight turns. This new dynamic will mark a significant shift in how teams approach race strategy and car setup.
In addition, there will be new measures to regulate energy management in the hybrid power units that will debut in 2026, ensuring teams adhere to strict energy usage rules. The overhaul also includes three pre-season tests, each lasting three days, to allow teams to adjust to the new power unit regulations.
The cost cap will also see an evolution, and the overall structure of F1’s regulations will be reorganized for greater clarity and consistency. These changes promise to make 2026 a pivotal year in the sport, with the hope of maintaining F1’s edge as a spectacle while embracing new technologies and sustainable practices.
The removal of the fastest lap point, alongside the wider structural changes, signals that Formula 1 is committed to refining its format and ensuring it remains at the forefront of global motorsport innovation. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely as these reforms come into play, particularly in the lead-up to the revolutionary 2026 season.
