FIA introduces driver cooling, other regulations for 2025/2026

The driver cooling part comes after the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where some Formula 1 drivers struggled to even complete the race that was held in extreme heat and humidity.

As a result, the FIA introduced a set of regulations known as the "heat hazard", which states that once the weather predicts temperatures in excess of 30.5 degrees Celsius, or when the Race Director announced them, the teams will have to equip their drivers with cooling systems.

As a result, the minimum weight of the cars will be increased by 5 Kg for that particular weekend to compensate for the extra cooling equipment.

The other change for 2025 was driven by the McLaren DRS controversy that emerged in Baku, as the design of the rear wing of the MCL38 allowed for the wing slot gap to open partially even when the DRS was closed, which boosted top speed even when not in DRS conditions.

As a result, the FIA clamped down on the gap, and it was reduced from 10-15 mm to 9.4-13 mm when closed and 85 mm when DRS is open and now specified that there would be two DRS modes: opened and closed.

The FIA also ratified regulations related to active aero elements on 2026 F1 cars while also specifying the number of elements making up a rear wing, up to three elements, while also revising the active aero rule to work with rear wings with two or three elements.

There were also revisions to floor regulations with detailed floor sidewall design along with those related to the winglet and fence bodywork.

The changes also included the addition of deflectors and a "debris guard" around the wheels, with the drum design modified to allow for the changes.

F1 will debut a new formula in 2026 with new power units and car designs.