Alex Albon has revealed that all 22 Formula 1 drivers were united in the discussions with the FIA and Formula One Management regarding the 2026 regulations.
The regulations were discussed during the impromptu five-week break between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix, and as a result of those talks, tweaks have been introduced for this weekend’s race at the Miami International Autodrome.
During an interview with Will Buxton on the Up To Speed podcast, Albon explained that the drivers were all in agreement with what needed to be changed.
“There’s almost a buffer now between what was acceptable last year and what’s acceptable this year,” the Williams driver explained when asked if the general feeling among the drivers was that they need to respect each other more on track after Oliver Bearman’s 50G crash during the Japanese Grand Prix.
“We like to race between millimetres, giving each other just enough space and playing with the rules of one car width. But at the moment, the closing speeds like you saw are so big that there has to be a bit of a buffer from the drivers, and as drivers, we understand that it’s a mutual respect between all of us.
“We don’t want it to be over-policed by the FIA, as drivers, we just want to respect each other first, if it is still not going the way we want it to and the inevitable driver still comes out in us, then maybe get it policed. But for now, let’s see.”
Alexander Albon, Williams
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
He added about the discussions surrounding the regulation tweaks: “First of all, we are very united because we’re all purists at heart. I think what the FIA appreciate about our feedback is that it’s non-biased. Clearly, when you have four or five power unit manufacturers in the sport, there is always going to be an agenda at hand, and everyone’s going to try to put the regulations to their advantage.
“The drivers don’t hold that. We just want to race. So, I really like the fact that the FIA are bringing us into these conversations. 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 is gimmicky or not pure, and they do take it on board. Of course, they explain to us the big picture of the sport, and we get it. And so I think that also the more that they bring us into it, the more that I feel like you won’t get angry drivers because we’re consulted.
“We like to be brought in because 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.”
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