FIA set to raise pit lane speed limit, fuel costs could exceed $300 per liter in 2026, and other big updates

FIA set to raise pit lane speed limit

The FIA plans to increase the pit lane speed limit for select Formula 1 races, such as the Dutch and Singapore Grands Prix, to create more strategic variety. After concerns over one-stop races, Pirelli introduced softer tire compounds in Jeddah and Miami to encourage more pitstops. In Zandvoort and Singapore, the speed limit could be raised from 60 km/h to 80 km/h to reduce pitstop times and promote different strategies. For Monaco, where the speed limit remains the same, a minimum of two mandatory pitstops will be enforced, though drivers are uncertain about its impact.

Click here to read the full article by Ronald Vording (motorsport.com)

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Fuel costs could exceed $300 per liter in 2026

Formula 1 teams are preparing for a potential tenfold increase in fuel costs by 2026, as prices could surpass $300 per liter. This surge is due to the development of new fully sustainable fuels, which could raise team expenses significantly, with some estimating $80,000 - $100,000 spent per race weekend. Teams could spend up to $100,000 on fuel each race weekend, which would add millions to their budgets, but fuel costs won’t count against the cost cap. The FIA is working on solutions for 2027, including using cheaper fuel ingredients.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble (the-race.com)

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Pirelli introduces softer tires for Miami GP amid weather concerns

Pirelli will bring the softer C3, C4, and C5 tire compounds to the Miami Grand Prix, which should provide more strategic variation compared to last year. The smooth track surface and high temperatures, which reached over 55°C last year, will cause significant thermal degradation. Despite the hot conditions, last year's race was a one-stop event, but the new tire selection could allow for a two-stop strategy this year. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect the weekend, with a chance of showers for both the sprint race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday.

Click here to read the full article by Balazs Szabo (f1technical.net)

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Albon's Japanese GP weekend hits different

Alex Albon’s prep for the Japanese GP was a bit more special this time as it was close to home and his girlfriend was part of the journey. As usual, he enjoyed meeting the fans before heading off for his engineering brief and warm-up routine. Then, it was time to suit up and hit the track for the real deal.

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From best friends to rivals

Formula One rookies Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman reflect on their longtime friendship and the challenges they've faced on the road to F1. The duo have been close friends for years, and now that they've made it to the grid, their bond is stronger than ever. But who was more competitive back in the day?