Story perspectives

FIA Bars 350 kW Boost for Rain-Threatened Miami GP

5/1/2026

Summary

FIA Restricts Boost

The FIA bans the 350 kW Boost Mode for the Miami Grand Prix if rain threatens and restricts driver-adjustable bodywork to partial activation in low-grip zones.
Sunday’s forecast shows a 68% chance of rain, 55% chance of thunderstorms, 32 °C temperature and cloud cover.
Carlos Sainz (driver) and Kimi Antonelli (driver) urged cutting boost to 250-300 kW because of aquaplaning risk.
Teams may increase tire-blanket heat for intermediate tyres to improve wet-track grip.

Summary

FIA Halts Changes

FIA technical director Jan Monchaux said rule changes were halted because a super-majority of manufacturers could not be secured.
At the April 20 meeting, consensus failed.
One manufacturer sought an advantage, another defended dominance, while a third needed 16 months for a new engine.
Lacking a super-majority, the proposal to cut electric power and boost gasoline was dropped, leaving only limited tweaks such as reduced recharge limits before Miami.

History

Historical Context

After Ayrton Senna’s fatal crash at the 1 May 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the FIA introduced sweeping safety reforms, including a 15 % reduction in downforce and an 80 km/h pit-lane speed limit for the next Monaco race. Those power-limiting measures echo today’s temporary boost restriction for the rain-affected Miami Grand Prix, underscoring the governing body’s long-standing safety focus.

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FIA Restricts Boost

The FIA bans the 350 kW Boost Mode for the Miami Grand Prix if rain threatens and restricts driver-adjustable bodywork to partial activation in low-grip zones.
Sunday’s forecast shows a 68% chance of rain, 55% chance of thunderstorms, 32 °C temperature and cloud cover.
Carlos Sainz (driver) and Kimi Antonelli (driver) urged cutting boost to 250-300 kW because of aquaplaning risk.
Teams may increase tire-blanket heat for intermediate tyres to improve wet-track grip.

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