From 2026, Formula 1 stewards will be given wider powers to review incidents and reach decisions in a clearer and more timely way. The same rules will apply across other FIA world championships, as well as Formula 2 and Formula 3. These updates are part of a major refresh of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, often described as the basic “constitution” of motorsport, which applies to all series run under the FIA.

One of the key changes affects the way decisions can be reviewed after a race. Until now, the only way to reopen a case was through a right of review requested by a team. This had to be done within 96 hours of the event finishing and required the team to present a significant and relevant new element that the stewards did not have when they made their original decision. While this system did work in some cases, it was limited and depended entirely on teams taking action.

A recent example came after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, when Williams used the right of review to challenge the penalty and licence points given to Carlos Sainz following a collision. After looking again at the case, the stewards agreed and removed the licence points. This showed that reviews can be useful, but also highlighted how narrow the existing process was.

From 2026, that process will change. Stewards will no longer have to wait for a team to submit a request. Instead, they will be allowed to reopen a case on their own initiative if new and important information becomes available after a decision has already been made. According to the updated Sporting Code, this will apply in FIA world championships, as well as in Formula 2 and Formula 3. The aim is to improve fairness and ensure that decisions can be corrected when new evidence appears.

Another important update is the introduction of an “out of competition” stewards’ panel. In the past, many decisions had to wait until a race weekend, when the appointed stewards were physically present. Under the new rules, a separate panel can be formed outside of an event when a matter is time-sensitive and cannot reasonably be delayed. This could allow hearings to take place during the summer shutdown or over the winter break.

This panel will consist of at least five members with experience in the relevant championship. Hearings will usually be held via video conference, making the process quicker and more flexible. However, if a case is particularly complex, it can still be heard in person, provided all parties agree to cover the costs.

Alongside these changes to the International Sporting Code, the FIA has also confirmed that additional funding has been secured through the new Concorde Agreement. This investment is intended to support further improvements in stewarding, with the goal of making decisions more consistent, transparent and trusted in the future.