FIA Bans Boost Mode for Wet Conditions Ahead of Miami Grand Prix

For the 2026 Miami Grand Prix the FIA has added Article B7.2.1g to the energy-deployment rules: “In Low Grip Conditions the use of Boost mode … will be inhibited and is not allowed.” The ban applies from the start of the race weekend, removing the 350 kW electric-motor boost that drivers could previously deploy for overtaking.

Too much power: F1 cuts overtake boost in wet weather from Miami GP

The 2026 power-unit package delivers near-instantaneous torque from a 350 kW electric motor, while the cars now run on narrower tyres and reduced aerodynamic downforce. Drivers have warned that these characteristics amplify over-steer and reduce rear-end stability in rain, prompting the FIA to evolve the 2026 rules rather than overhaul them.

Too much power: F1 cuts overtake boost in wet weather from Miami GP

• Power-unit electric boost: 350 kW (dry) – limited to 150 kW in dry-condition boost mode.

Too much power: F1 cuts overtake boost in wet weather from Miami GP

• Weather forecasts for Sunday, May 3: 40 % (GP Blog), 53 % (Motorsport.com), 70 % (Balkan Web), 85 % (Sportstar), 95 % (Nine.com.au) chance of rain; thunderstorm probabilities range from 53 % to 57 %.

Miami GP faces growing weather concerns ahead of race weekend

• Track temperatures expected at 27-28 °C on race day, with earlier sessions above 30 °C.

F1 2026 Miami Grand Prix weather forecast - latest from Florida as thunderstorms threaten race

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said the boost ban “addresses safety concerns … especially in low-grip conditions where large speed differences could increase contact risk.” An FIA spokesperson added that the governing body is “closely monitoring the weather forecast” and has a contingency plan ready, citing the 2025-2026 experience of red-flag procedures under Articles 11.9.2.a and 11.9.3.n of the International Sporting Code. U.S. law also mandates suspension of outdoor events if lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius, meaning a thunderstorm would trigger an immediate red flag.

FIA enforces dramatic new F1 regulations: boost mode banned for wet-weather racing at Miami Grand Prix

Drivers expressed unease that the 350 kW boost may be excessive for wet racing. Williams’ Carlos Sainz argued that “350 kilowatts are not needed” and suggested a reduction to 250-300 kW. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri noted the lack of wet-weather experience with the new hybrid cars, while Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli warned that “the unknowns in the wet … could make the race very tricky.”

Miami chaos incoming: F1 drivers raise fears over extreme weather racing

• “From a safety perspective, one area of intervention concerns the performance of the cars in the wet. We haven’t had a real wet situation yet, but some drivers have already expressed concerns about wet races we may eventually face – that having so much power could be problematic, as could having full boost in the rain,” — Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single-seater director

Too much power: F1 cuts overtake boost in wet weather from Miami GP

• “Obviously I think in the back of everyone's heads what's going to happen when it's wet. I've always been a bit of an advocate for the 350 kilowatts are not needed and I hope that we could find a way to maybe reduce it down to 250 or 300 for the race. We saw last year in the straights, a lot of standing water here, it's a super flat track, the water stays on the surface and whether that's going to be safe enough or not with the walls close to you and the visibility that we have with these cars is certainly going to be a concern,” — Carlos Sainz, Williams driver

Miami chaos incoming: F1 drivers raise fears over extreme weather racing

• “Maybe a couple of people did in Barcelona at the shakedown, but I think they’re going to be challenging cars to drive in the rain just because of some of the quirks that they have.” — Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver

The Hindu

• “If it's thunderstorms like they say, we probably also won't get under way for quite a bit of time,” — Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver

Nine.com.au

• “Having faced a similar situation last year in Miami with threats of thunderstorms, we have a contingency plan in place and will activate it if needed to minimise disruption to the on-track programme.” — FIA spokesperson

FIA plays down Miami GP storm threat

Forecasts for Sunday’s rain probability vary widely—from 40 % (GP Blog) to 95 % (Nine.com.au). Correspondingly, some outlets (The Sun, GiveMeSport) suggest the race could be cancelled, while others (Motorsport.com, GP Fans) anticipate only a delay or a start-time shift. No definitive decision on a full cancellation has been announced, leaving the exact procedural response uncertain.

Miami chaos incoming: F1 drivers raise fears over extreme weather racing

The boost ban directly reduces the power differential between cars in wet conditions, aiming to lower the risk of sudden over-steer and wheel-to-wheel contact. It also forces teams to revise overtaking strategies, tyre-temperature management, and aerodynamic setups, potentially reshaping the championship battle early in the season.

FIA enforces dramatic new F1 regulations: boost mode banned for wet-weather racing at Miami Grand Prix

The FIA may move the 4 pm start earlier if thunderstorms intensify, as discussed by Sergio Perez. Should lightning be detected, the race will be red-flagged, cars will line up in the fast lane, and a restart order will be issued per Articles 57-58. The contingency plan remains active, with officials prepared to resume racing once conditions are deemed safe.

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