The FIA has approved a last-minute rule change for the 2026 Formula 1 season, addressing a peculiar issue with active rear steering that would have made cars appear to crab-walk during slow corners. The amendment, effective from the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, reduces the rear steering angle at low speeds from 3 degrees to just 1 degree.
In a surprise move ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA has amended the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations to eliminate one of the strangest quirks of the next-generation cars: the active rear steering system’s behavior at low speeds.
What was the problem with active rear steering?
Under the original 2026 rules, teams were allowed to use active rear steering that could turn the rear wheels by up to 3 degrees at low speeds. This was intended to improve maneuverability on tight circuits, but simulations and driver feedback revealed an unsettling side effect: the cars would appear to crab-walk, moving sideways during slow corners. This not only looked bizarre but raised safety and control concerns, especially on street circuits like Monaco.
How did the FIA fix it?
According to a report by The Race, the FIA has reduced the maximum rear steering angle at low speeds from 3 degrees to just 1 degree. This effectively cancels the crab-walk behavior while retaining the system’s benefits at high speeds, where the 3-degree angle remains allowed for improved aerodynamic stability and cornering performance.
When does the change take effect?
The amendment will be applied from the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, giving teams a chance to test the revised system in real race conditions before the 2026 season begins. This early implementation allows engineers to adapt their designs and setups ahead of the full regulation change.
What other changes are expected for 2026?
This is just one of several adjustments planned for the 2026 cars, which will feature a major overhaul of power units and chassis. The FIA is expected to introduce further tweaks before the season starts, as it fine-tunes the rules to ensure competitive and safe racing.
How will this affect racing in the Gulf?
While the 2026 cars are not yet on track in the Middle East, the change is particularly relevant for circuits like the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which feature a mix of slow and high-speed corners. The revised rear steering should improve driver confidence and reduce the risk of incidents in tight sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the strange quirk in F1 2026 cars?
The original rules allowed active rear steering to turn up to 3 degrees at low speeds, causing the car to crab-walk sideways, which was deemed unsafe and difficult to control.
When will the new rule be applied?
The amendment takes effect from the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, allowing teams to test the change before the 2026 season.
Does the change affect high-speed performance?
No, the reduction only applies at low speeds. At high speeds, the rear steering angle remains at 3 degrees to maintain aerodynamic benefits.
Sources
- The Race — How F1 has got rid of one of 2026 rules' strangest quirks
