F1 considering change to 2026 regulations after Chinese GP following Max Verstappen comments

F1 chiefs are already considering changing the new 2026 rules in time for the Japanese Grand Prix later this month.

George Russell won the season opener in Melbourne after taking pole position, with teammate Kimi Antonelli making it a Mercedes one-two to start 2026.

However, the silver arrows were made to work a bit harder than expected, with Charles Leclerc taking the lead at turn one due to Ferrari's incredible pace off the line.

Leclerc was re-passed by Russell on a number of occasions, but managed to fight back to continue to lead, until a strategy call during a virtual safety car put the Mercedes out of sight.

Despite a lot of post race talk focussing on the action packed start, questions over the 2026 regulations continue with Max Verstappen continuing to call for change.

“I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this. So let’s see what we can do," Verstappen told the media after the race.

"I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action."

Verstappen added: “We just want the best for the sport. It’s not that we are critical, just to be critical.

While the lighter, smaller chassis have received significant praise, the new battery-starved power units are proving to be a serious issue.

Max Verstappen after the Australian Grand Prix (credit: getty)

The FIA ready to change 2026 rules after Chinese Grand Prix

According to The Race, F1 and the FIA 'readily accept' that the current energy harvesting system is not at the correct level and are willing to make alterations.

It has now been confirmed that discussions on potential changes will take place in China following the race to gather another grand prix of data to help decision making.

Any urgent changes will then be made for Japanese GP on March 29th, with further more radical tweaks to come later if required.

The FIA's single seater director Nikolas Tombazis has provided more clarity on the developing situation via The Race.

"The teams' unanimous position was that we should stick to the current arrangements for the first few races and to review the matter when we have a bit more data," he explained.

"Our intention is after China to be reviewing the energy management situation.

"We have a few aces up our sleeves on that, which we didn't want to introduce ahead of the first race as a kneejerk reaction, and which we will review with the teams after China."

Tombazis explained that action too early could result in a backwards step, with the FIA's full focus on ensuring the new regulations are the best spectacle possible.

"I think the worst thing we can do is change it and make it worse," he added.

"We need to have a great spectacle, the best cars in the world and the best drivers, and being exciting for the fans.

"That's why we just need to look at the product, if it needs to be tweaked, if we need to adjust, I think we have the flexibility in Formula 1 to always take those decisions."