Fans are unlikely to notice a major change in the racing this weekend following Formula 1’s latest rule adjustments, according to Audi F1 team principal Mattia Binotto.
Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
The FIA introduced a package of updates ahead of this weekend’s event after drivers and fans raised concerns about the 2026 technical regulations. Binotto, however, suggested the Miami International Autodrome is not the ideal venue to assess the impact of those changes.
“I don’t think it has affected much this weekend,” Binotto said. “Miami maybe is not the track where you can see it the most. For us, FP1 was so messy that we have not noticed the difference.”
Earlier rounds in Melbourne and Suzuka exposed shortcomings in the new regulations at circuits with few heavy braking zones. At those tracks, drivers were forced to slow significantly before the fastest corners to conserve and regenerate energy, which highlighted issues with the cars’ performance characteristics.
Miami’s layout, by contrast, includes several low-speed corners and substantial braking zones, so the deficiencies seen elsewhere were always likely to be less obvious this weekend.
“Overall, from [the] outside, I think the fans watching will not perceive it,” Binotto added. “Maybe the drivers will feel an improvement. Further improvement for the future may be required still. It has been our first great effort together, but there’s still more to come.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
Some drivers have complained that the new rules have produced “yo-yo racing,” with overtakes becoming frequent but often inconsequential or unintentional. Binotto rejected that criticism and said his drivers are enjoying the current format.
“Our drivers are enjoying the current format,” he said. “I think it has been a big change compared to the past. Everyone needs to adapt to the changes. But overall, I think if you look and you watch the races, for the fans it has been a great show as well. Overtaking since the very first race, close fights, which is not obvious when you’ve got such a big discrepancy in the regulations.
“So I think the format is a great format and F1 remains a platform for innovation at the edge of technology. The fans know that behind there is a technical challenge.”
Those hoping the new regulations would eliminate the need for in-race energy saving have so far been disappointed. Binotto argued that changes in driving style and energy management are part of the sport’s evolution and not necessarily cause for concern.
“Driving flat-out is not a good reason [for criticism],” he said. “I think in the past, when we had to do a lot of fuel-saving, they were not driving flat out as well. So again, I can only say what our drivers are saying: they are very positive about the regulations. They are enjoying the car, I think, and I’m not sure that all the drivers are not enjoying it.
“The regulations are different to the past, yes. Drivers need to adapt, yes. A different driving style is required, yes. But it is still F1. It’s still a challenge. It’s still a race and fighting on track, so fighting for the fastest lap in quali, in the race, and at the end there is a winner, a loser, and I think that’s why it’s our sport.”
Miss nothing from RaceFans
Get a daily email with all our latest stories – and nothing else. No marketing, no ads. Sign up here:
2026 Miami Grand Prix
- Miami stats: Mercedes have now won at every track on the F1 calendar – so far
- F1 drivers say they are still at the mercy of their power units over a flying lap
- McLaren’s Miami GP radio messages show the scars of Qatar GP tactical error
- ‘This is not the level F1 should be’: Norris tells F1 to ‘ditch the battery’
- Lawson was right: Racing Bulls should not have ordered him to let Verstappen past
Browse all 2026 Miami Grand Prix articles