F1 commission rules out points system change and sets out 2026 pre-season testing plans

The Formula 1 Commission met for the third time in 2024 on Tuesday, with the headline outcomes including ruling out changes to the world championship points system and agreeing nine days of pre-season testing for 2026 to coincide with new regulations.

A proposal to hand out points beyond 10th place was discussed at the meeting in London, which was chaired by F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis.

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The FIA said in a statement that it was “unanimously agreed” that there will be no changes to the distribution of championship points.

With new aerodynamic and power unit regulations being introduced for 2026, which include the use of 100% sustainable fuels and a greater focus on electrical power, teams will be given significantly more days of pre-season testing.

The current allocation of three days will be increased to nine, split across three days, to give the teams a chance to iron out any niggles with their all-new machines. The locations and dates are still to be determined.

The Commission also agreed that the minimum weight for a driver will be increased by 2kg to 82kg “in the interests of well-being”. That means the minimum weight of the car without fuel will be increased to 800kg for 2025.

The FIA added the strategic objectives of the 2026 regulations were “reiterated setting out that the overriding aim is to achieve fast and closer racing that will continue to engage and excite fans”.

The governing body added: “An update was provided on the timeline of the 2026 Regulations covering Technical, Sporting, Financial and Environmental matters and that the ongoing collaboration led by the FIA with all the teams was on track to meet the objectives and moving in the right direction for the finalisation of the regulations.

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“Following further discussions during upcoming Technical and Sporting Advisory committees, an update on the 2026 Regulations relating to sporting and technical regulations will be presented at the World Motor Sport Council on October 17. An extraordinary F1 Commission meeting will take place on October 2 to discuss 2026 matters.”

Regarding the financial regulations, it was agreed costs relating to maternity or paternity leave, sick leave and team entertainment will “remain excluded” from the cost cap.

As always, these changes are subject to the approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council but that process is typically a formality.