Crisis meetings are on the horizon as drivers protest against the 2026 regulations.

      A significant backlash from drivers has emerged regarding the 2026 regulations for Formula 1, prompting the FIA to act quickly amidst rising safety concerns at Suzuka. Max Verstappen has even suggested that he might contemplate leaving the sport in the near future as frustration intensifies throughout the grid. Reigning world champion Lando Norris responded sarcastically to Verstappen’s remarks while waiting for a Viaplay interview, saying, "Best racing I’ve ever seen." When advised to adopt a more serious approach given his position, Norris retorted, "It’s pointless to say that. It doesn’t matter what we say. If only the fans enjoy it, that’s all that matters." When reminded that drivers’ opinions also matter, he bluntly replied, "Clearly not."

      The situation escalated after Oliver Bearman experienced a serious crash, resulting in minor injuries to his leg, due to a dangerous speed discrepancy with Franco Colapinto at the hairpin, exceeding 50 kph. Colapinto cautioned that the current system is both "artificial and dangerous." He explained, "It almost feels like one car is on a slow out lap while the other is pushing hard. You check the steering wheel and see a six-tenths gap to the car behind, but that closes within a few meters. The boost is very powerful, making overtakes possible, but the maneuvers are artificial and risky."

      GPDA director Carlos Sainz issued a stern warning, stating, "We warned them that it was only a matter of time before an accident like this would occur. We experience speed differences of 30, 40, or even 50 kph when using the boost. We're fortunate to have a run-off area here; imagine experiencing such speed disparities in Baku, Singapore, or Las Vegas, resulting in significant crashes against the walls. As the GPDA, we have alerted the FIA that these accidents would occur under these regulations. We need urgent changes if we want to prevent this from happening. I don’t care if that means we slow down a second per lap - we need to find a solution."

      In response, the FIA has swiftly addressed the issue, releasing a statement announcing urgent discussions. "Several meetings are planned for April to evaluate the functioning of the new regulations and to decide if any adjustments are necessary," the statement noted, adding that safety "will always remain a core element." A crucial meeting involving team technical directors and the FIA is reportedly scheduled for April 9, as indicated by Racing Bull's Peter Bayer, a former top FIA official. "We are working on light signals, for instance, to help the driver behind better understand the situation ahead," he mentioned.

      Former driver Christijan Albers characterized the situation as an escalating "fight between the drivers, FOM, and the FIA." Even Kimi Antonelli, the youngest-ever championship leader and recent race winner, acknowledged that changes may be imminent. "The FIA is already examining how to enhance the situation for Miami, both in qualifying and the race," he stated. "It’s very tricky."