The FIA has been listening to Formula 1 drivers’ concerns that recent changes have made racing feel too artificial, says Alexander Albon.
Several drivers criticised how the 2026 regulations altered on-track dynamics, with some saying overtaking has become easier to the point of feeling “accidental.” Albon welcomed the consultation between the FIA and drivers over the updates that come into effect this weekend, saying the dialogue has been positive.
“I really like the fact that the FIA are bringing us into these conversations,” Albon told Up To Speed. “I wouldn’t say that’s been such a thing in the past, maybe because it wasn’t needed. But for the most part we give advice, we tell them what we think’s gimmicky or not pure and they do take it on board.”
He added that the FIA have explained the bigger picture of the sport to the drivers, and greater inclusion reduces driver frustration. “The more that they bring us into it, the more I feel like you won’t get drivers angry,” he said.
Driver input into rule changes has given the paddock confidence that F1 is moving in the right direction, according to Albon. “We were consulted, we like to be brought in because I think for us it gives us an opportunity to have a say. For example, the regulation changes that have happened in Miami, a lot of that has come from conversations with drivers and whatnot and so we’re positive about the changes made.”
“We are happy,” he continued. “It goes towards the right direction. If it’s a permanent fix, likely not, but it’s going the right way.”
This weekend’s race in Miami will be an early test of how effective the tweaks are. One priority for many drivers has been reducing the extreme closing speeds that developed between cars under the new regulations — a factor linked to Oliver Bearman’s high-speed crash at Suzuka.
Albon said drivers will need to adapt their defensive behaviour because those closing-speed differences will still be possible. “There’s almost a buffer now between what was acceptable last year and what’s acceptable this year,” he explained. “We like to race between millimetres and giving each other just enough space and playing with the rules of one car width, things like that. But at the moment, the closing speeds like you saw are so big there has to be a bit of a buffer from the drivers.”
“I think as drivers, we understand that. It’s just a mutual respect between all of us that giving the last bit of space, let’s not do that.”
Albon hopes the FIA will not be forced to introduce heavy policing of on-track battles as a result of the greater closing speeds. “We don’t want it to be over-policed by the FIA,” he said. “I think as drivers we just want to respect each other first. If it’s still not going the way we want to and the inevitable driver still comes out in us then maybe get it policed, but for now let’s see.”
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