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FIA Rolls Out Miami Qualifying Tweaks, Drivers Remain Skeptical

5/2/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

FIA Tweaks

The FIA introduced regulation tweaks before the Miami Grand Prix to improve safety and qualifying.
The tweaks cut qualifying recharge, raise super-clipping power, add a +150 kW boost cap, and restore automatic launch.
Fernando Alonso said he remains doubtful and will wait to judge on-track, while Max Verstappen called the tweaks a “tickle” and urged larger reforms for 2027.

Summary

FIA Bans Boost

The FIA banned Boost Mode overtaking due to a 68 percent chance of heavy thunderstorms on Sunday.
A heat hazard for Friday and Saturday, with temperatures above 31 °C, mandates liquid-cooled vests in all cars.
Drivers who refuse the vest receive a 0.5 kg ballast penalty placed in the cockpit.
Officials have floated moving the Grand Prix to Saturday, noting that a weekend overhaul is needed and the plan remains unconfirmed.

History

Historical Context

After 12 years of race-meeting fatalities ended, the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix killed Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, prompting the FIA to form an Expert Advisory Safety Committee that introduced side-impact tests, stronger helmets and later the HANS device. Those systematic reforms underpin today’s Miami qualifying limits and mandatory liquid-cooled vests for drivers.

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FIA Tweaks

The FIA introduced regulation tweaks before the Miami Grand Prix to improve safety and qualifying.
The tweaks cut qualifying recharge, raise super-clipping power, add a +150 kW boost cap, and restore automatic launch.
Fernando Alonso said he remains doubtful and will wait to judge on-track, while Max Verstappen called the tweaks a “tickle” and urged larger reforms for 2027.

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