The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has concluded its mid-2026 World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau, marking a pivotal moment for global motorsport. The gathering, held on June 23, brought together the FIA community to discuss and approve key regulations for the upcoming seasons. H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, highlighted the progress made in 2026, including new race winners, emerging talent, and iconic events like the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The FIA President emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating motorsport that is safe, exciting, sustainable, and accessible. He noted that these achievements are possible due to the collective efforts of the World Motor Sport Council, members, and the entire FIA community. The meeting also addressed the potential return of the FIA World rally Championship to the United States, changes in the WRC promoter, and the expanded calendar for the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Formula E Calendar and Sporting Format Updates
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar for the 2026-27 season has been approved, featuring a record-breaking 21 races across 13 global cities. The calendar includes a mix of street circuits and new permanent circuits, embracing the new levels of power and performance that arrive with the GEN4 car in December 2026. The GEN4 car will feature permanent all-wheel drive and two power levels: 450kW in Race Mode and 600kW in Attack Mode.
The 2026-27 season will introduce two different race formats on double-header race weekends: the Classic Efficiency Race and the all-new, shorter Performance Race. The aerodynamic configuration for each event will be confirmed 21 days before the race. Additionally, wet tyres will be introduced for use in wet track conditions, and points will now be awarded in qualifying for both the Drivers’ and Teams’ World Championships.
WRC27 Regulations and Rally2 Upgrade Kit
The World Motor Sport Council has approved the technical regulations for the FIA World Rally Championship’s top category from 2027. The new regulations introduce a Rally2-WRC-Kit, which can be fitted to Rally2 cars homologated before December 31, 2026. This kit aims to increase the number of cars competing at the front of the field, providing a greater spectacle for rally fans.
The Rally2-WRC-Kit includes new homologated front fenders, a front bumper, and a rear aerodynamic device, with a maximum cost of €7,500. The kit will be eligible to compete alongside WRC27 cars in the FIA World Rally Championship during the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The regulations also define the technical framework for Rally2-WRC-Kit cars, including a total weight of 1220kg. Eligibility for these cars in the top category will end on December 31, 2028.
FIA Global Karting Plan and Esports Expansion
The second edition of the FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup will be hosted by Motor Sports Singapore and return to the LYL International Circuit in Malaysia from November 19-22, 2026. The event showcases the new era for FIA Karting, with over 100 drivers participating from 50 countries. The format cuts entry costs by up to two-thirds compared to traditional international karting competitions.
The FIA Esports has also expanded with the approval of regulations for the FIA Esports European Hill Climb Cup. This new competition will be launched on the RaceRoom platform, featuring the iconic BMW 134 Judd V8. The tournament will unfold in two stages, beginning with an open online qualification and culminating in an onsite final in Luxembourg from October 11-13. The World Motor Sport Council has also approved the creation of a separate Esports Code to regulate FIA Esports Competitions.
The FIA has introduced new provisions in the Regional Rally Sporting Regulations to improve accessibility for drivers and co-drivers with disabilities. These provisions include additional passes for team members to support crew members with disabilities and requirements for organizers to consider accessibility in event infrastructure planning.
Historic Motor Sport and Formula One Updates
The FIA has unveiled a new Historic Motor Sport Roadmap, outlining a phased approach to period compliance scrutineering from 2026 through to 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen consistency, fairness, and credibility across historic motor sport through a harmonized framework for eligibility control and compliance monitoring.
In the FIA Formula One World Championship, the World Motor Sport Council approved updates to the 2026 Sporting, Technical, and Financial Regulations. These updates include clarifications, minor corrections, and measures relating to power unit supply, reconnaissance laps, race distances, and financial regulatory changes. The Council also ratified proposed changes to rebalance the contribution of the Internal Combustion Engine and Energy Recovery System contributions.
