Overview
- From 2026, the race director may extend FP1 at sprint events to restore lost time if a red flag occurs before minute 45, with no extension permitted after that point.
- The FP1 extension applies only to the six sprint-format weekends and is intended to ensure teams receive the full 60 minutes of practice.
- The WMSC also approved a temporary increase in operational on‑track personnel per team from 58 to 60 for 2026 to support running the new cars.
- Pre‑season 2026 will feature a five‑day private shakedown in Barcelona followed by two Bahrain tests, with a return to a single pre‑season test in 2027.
- The package, confirmed at the WMSC meeting in Tashkent, includes simplified race suspension and restart procedures and responds to team and driver concerns after disrupted sprint Fridays in 2025.