FIA Bans Key F1 Performance Feature Should it Rain Over Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1 ‘s governing body, the FIA, has announced a restriction on the use of a key performance feature on the cars should it rain heavily during the Miami Grand Prix this Sunday. MotorBiscuit reported the weather forecast for the Miami GP weekend, highlighting the possibility of rain on Sunday. The temperature is expected to be around 32°C with 100% cloud cover.

While there was a 37% chance of rain two days ago, the possibility has now increased to 68%. Similar to how F1’s popular Drag Reduction System was prohibited from being used in wet races in the past, the FIA has issued a new guideline keeping in mind a wet race possibility, banning the use of Boost Mode during the race. Given the new F1 regulations that came into effect with new cars that are powered equally by internal combustion and electric power, featuring active aerodynamics, the role of battery power has increased significantly.

Read More from MotorBiscuit: Martin Brundle Says One of These Eight F1 Drivers Will Be an F1 Champion This Year Iron Man, Captain America Join Williams F1 in New Marvel Partnership Ahead of Miami GP Lewis Hamilton Receives Strong Backing For Eighth Championship Title Ahead of Miami GP MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505043266 // Usage for editorial use only // While the Boost Mode offers up to 350 kW of additional power, it has now been prohibited in low-grip conditions, meaning drivers won’t be able to use it during a wet race. The rules have been altered, keeping in mind the surge in torque that the Boost Mode offers, leading to potential loss of traction.

In addition, restrictions have been placed on the ‘Driver Adjustable Bodywork’ system, or active aerodynamics. Revised regulations allow “partial activation” of the straightline mode, meaning the drag will be reduced only up to a certain limit. “In low grip conditions, only partial activation of the Driver Adjustable Bodywork in the associated Low Grip Activation Zones is allowed,” the revised regulation stated.