F1: drivers can't vote
F1 chiefs told drivers there will be no driver vote on major rule changes — any changes must be agreed by teams and engine manufacturers, not by a driver ballot. The statement addresses recent driver complaints, including from Max Verstappen, and reinforces that governance rests with teams and engine partners. (x.com).
The FIA says amendments to the 2026 regulations were approved unanimously by an e‑vote of the World Motor Sport Council, with some changes concurrently approved by the Formula One Power Unit Manufacturers. (fia.com)) Formula 1’s five power‑unit manufacturers were reported to be set to vote on a mid‑season introduction of an additional compression‑ratio test aimed at closing a technical loophole. (the-race.com)) Seven‑time champion Lewis Hamilton bluntly told media that drivers “have no voting rights” on rule changes and are not members of the committees that decide them. (crash.net)) Drivers including Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen have publicly pushed for fixes after incidents and performance concerns; Sainz warned of closing‑speed dangers and Verstappen has repeatedly criticised the new 2026 cars as being more about energy management than traditional F1 driving. (crash.net)) The formal rule‑making path remains FIA technical proposals, discussion at the F1 Commission and related manufacturer bodies, and final ratification by the World Motor Sport Council — forums that do not include a drivers’ ballot. (f1chronicle.com)) The FIA’s published timeline says the compression‑ratio control will be measured in both hot and cold conditions from 1 June 2026 and will move to operating‑temperature measurement in 2027, with further technical evaluations ongoing. (fia.com))
