Miami GP news: Formula One responds to race gap and regulation updates; FP1 extended

By Lucy Armour

Formula One has confirmed that the opening practice of the Miami GP will be extended to 90 minutes, instead of the usual hour.

The change was due to the recent disruption of the F1 calendar and the new regulatory alternatives.

The announcement from FIA comes after a significant break from racing due to the cancellation of both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia race weeks. 

This has left teams not being able to race in nearly a month, raising concerns about driver readiness and preparation.

Alongside this, Formula 1 is introducing technical and regulatory adjustments for the remainder of the 2026/27 season. 

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Why Free Practice 1 has been extended

The 30 minute extension is not permanent to all race weekends, it is solely for the Miami GP. 

This is a direct response to these factors:

The race gap

As there has been no recent race weekends, teams lack performance and the practice in certain conditions, like heat and competitive driving. 

Sprint weekend

Miami race week includes a sprint, which means there is only one practice before competitive sessions take place. 

The extension allows for more preparation time for both the teams and drivers. 

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New regulations

There are new regulations in place ahead of the Miami GP. Here are a few:

The maximum permitted energy recharge per lap has dropped from 8MJ to 7MJ, aiming to encourage more flat-out driving.

The superclip power has increased, with power rising from 250kW to 350kW, allowing for faster battery recharge to reduce driver workload.

There will be a limit on boost power to minimise dangerous speed differences between the drivers. 

There will be race start enhancements such as cars’ lateral and rear flashing lights which allows drivers being alerted of slow starters. 

These changes are also in response to driver feedback, like criticisms regarding the 2026 car dynamics from four-time world champion, Max Verstappen. 

What we can expect to see in the Miami GP

With more practice time guaranteed and updated regulations, the Miami GP could be a turning point ahead of the rest of the current season.

Teams are likely to use the extended FP1 to run tests between data and real performance experiences. 

Viewers can expect to see longer runs and varied experiments from teams and drivers under the new limits.

The actual racing could become more competitive as drivers could see the new regulations as a clean slate. 

The reduction in energy management will allow drivers to push harder for a longer period of time, potentially leading to less wheel-to-wheel racing.

The safety improvements around race starts should reduce the risk of incidents caused by sudden speed differences, which has been one of the most criticised elements from the drivers.

Looking forward to Miami race weekend on the 1-3 May, it allows a reset for not only drivers and teams, but for the new era of Formula 1. 

An era where the sport attempts to balance hybrid technology with the demands of high performance.

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