Mohammed Ben Sulayem has described recent discussions with Formula 1 drivers as “constructive,” ahead of a decisive round of regulation talks involving all major stakeholders in the sport.
The meeting, which took place on Friday and was first reported by formed part of a wider consultation process ahead of Monday’s high-level summit. That upcoming gathering will bring together the FIA, Formula One Management, team principals, and power unit manufacturers to discuss potential refinements to the 2026 regulations—particularly the controversial new hybrid power unit framework.
According to Ben Sulayem, the drivers played an important role in shaping the conversation, offering what he described as “invaluable input” on key areas of concern. These include energy deployment behaviour, qualifying procedures, and the broader impact of hybrid systems on racing quality and safety.
The consultation comes at a pivotal moment for Formula 1, with the sport already preparing possible adjustments following data gathered from the opening races of the season. Drivers have repeatedly raised concerns about the complexity of energy management under the new rules, which can force them into lift-and-coast driving during qualifying and create significant speed differentials depending on energy state.
The FIA president’s comments also come against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny following recent on-track incidents, which have intensified debate over whether the current regulations strike the right balance between performance, safety, and entertainment.
Monday’s meeting is expected to be one of the most important governance discussions of the 2026 season so far. While unanimous agreement within the F1 Commission would be required for immediate regulatory changes, the FIA retains the authority to act on safety grounds if consensus cannot be reached.
For now, Ben Sulayem has emphasised a collaborative approach, suggesting that the drivers’ feedback will play a key role in shaping any adjustments moving forward.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that Friday’s meeting with Formula 1 drivers formed part of an ongoing series of discussions ahead of Monday’s crucial regulatory summit, where potential changes to the 2026 ruleset will be decided.
In a formal statement, the FIA president said he was “delighted” with the tone of the discussions, describing them as “constructive and collaborative” between drivers, the FIA, and other stakeholders involved in shaping the next phase of Formula 1’s technical direction.
Ben Sulayem highlighted that drivers provided what he called “invaluable input,” particularly on energy management systems—an area that has become one of the most heavily criticised aspects of the new 2026 regulations. These systems, which govern how hybrid power is harvested and deployed during a lap, have been linked to complex driving behaviours such as lift-and-coast and variable boost usage, which some drivers argue disrupt natural racing flow and create safety concerns.
He added that the FIA has also been engaged in a wider consultation process over recent weeks with technical representatives from teams, power unit manufacturers, and Formula One Management. According to Ben Sulayem, all parties have been working toward potential refinements that prioritise both safety and sporting fairness.
Importantly, he confirmed that any agreed proposals emerging from this process will be submitted for approval through a FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) e-vote, which would determine whether changes can be formally implemented.
While Friday’s driver meeting reportedly produced agreement on several key areas, the final decision will rest on Monday’s high-level meeting involving team principals and CEOs. That session is expected to be decisive in determining whether immediate adjustments are made to the 2026 regulations or whether further refinement is required before implementation.
George Russell, who serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, expressed cautious optimism following the discussions. Speaking to media outlets, including Russell said the recent break in the calendar had allowed meaningful dialogue between drivers and the FIA, leading to what he described as the closest working relationship with the governing body in recent years.
He noted that compromise would be necessary, as the current regulations are fundamentally designed to maximise lap performance, which has unintentionally led to increased reliance on energy management techniques during qualifying and race conditions. However, he also pointed out that there are several “low-hanging fruit” solutions that could significantly improve the driving experience without requiring a full overhaul of the rules.
Among the most significant proposals discussed is a reduction in the extreme energy recovery “super clip” system, which Russell described as a straightforward improvement that could reduce the need for lift-and-coast behaviour. He also highlighted potential refinements to derating limits, which currently restrict how quickly power output can transition during straights. On shorter circuits, these constraints can make it impossible for drivers to fully deploy energy in a natural racing rhythm.
Russell suggested that relatively small regulatory adjustments in these areas could have a meaningful impact on both racing quality and driver control, improving consistency and reducing unpredictable performance swings.
With Monday’s meeting now looming, the focus shifts to whether teams, manufacturers, and governing bodies can align on a unified approach. While there is broad agreement that the current system requires refinement, the challenge lies in balancing performance innovation with safety and maintaining the competitive integrity of Formula 1.
The outcome of these discussions will determine whether immediate changes are pushed through or whether the 2026 regulations continue to evolve gradually over the coming races.