In 2026, Formula 1 will enter a new legal and economic stage. FIA approved a deep change in the sporting regulations that will drastically increase the mandatory deposits to file protests, appeals, or technical review requests, in order to curb unfounded claims and speed up post-race results.
The scheme set by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in December raises the minimum to request a review to 20,000 euros. In addition, it introduces higher fees to initiate technical investigations or appeal penalties. The new expenditures will have a direct impact on each team's annual budget cap, which will force stricter management of resources.
La FIA aumenta los montos económicos para realizar protestas, revisiones y apelaciones
The change has its roots in the unrest caused by the 2025 season, which was marked by delays and failed protests, with a special focus on Red Bull's claims against George Russell in Miami and Canada. In both cases, FIA ultimately rejected the complaints and exposed the abuse of the system without solid evidence.
Later, the Mercedes driver himself supported the regulatory shift and expressed it bluntly: ""A deposit of 2,000 euros for teams that earn millions is not even remotely enough. If it were a six-figure sum, they would surely think twice"."
The reform not only adjusts costs, since it also modifies the procedures to appeal decisions and makes technical reviews of rival cars more expensive, seeking to guarantee greater seriousness and transparency. Although FIA will be able to reimburse the money in the event of successful claims, the economic filter will be the first barrier.
When F1 returns
The top category will resume action in the preseason at the beginning of the year with three test sessions: one in Barcelona (from January 26 to 30) and two in Bahrain (from February 11 to 13 and from 18 to 20 of the same month).
In that regard, only in March will the category's formal calendar begin with the Australian Grand Prix, which will take place from the 6th to the 8th at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.
