The FIA's second attempt at promoting closer racing: the 2026 F1 Car Regulations

The FIA has released insightful renders and details on the regulations for the next generation of F1 cars, and the changes are comprehensive. Here's everything you need to know about the new era of the championship.

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Power Unit

First revealed in 2022, the 2026 engine regulations represent the most significant overhaul to the power units since the introduction of turbo-hybrid propulsion in 2014. The power still comes from a combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor, but that is where the similarities end. Power derived from the combustion engine will be reduced from 550-560kw to 400kw, and power from the MGU-K will be increased from 120kw to 350kw. This means what is now more of an 80-20 split in combustion to electric power will change to a nearly 50-50 split in 2026. Additionally, the FIA claims the amount of energy that can be recuperated during braking will be doubled, resulting in a total recuperable energy of 8.5 MJ per lap. These changes have been made with the intent of achieving greater sustainability, with the Net-Zero-2023 ambitions still in place.

As a result of retaining the capacity of the current engines and simultaneously decreasing the power output, the 2026 F1 cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel that can be used in road cars, a push to increase the real-world relevance of the sport. The pursuit of relevance has also resulted in the abandoning of the MGU-H, which acted as a sophisticated anti-lag system for the turbocharger but was deemed too complex with minimal applications for road car manufacturers. These new regulations have been designed to attract new manufacturers to the sport, with the FIA proudly emphasizing the diversity in six different engine manufacturers (Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull Ford, Audi, and Honda) competing in 2026.

With greater reliance on electrical power in 2026, a Manual Override mode has been introduced to improve overtaking opportunities. While the deployment of the MGU-K of the leading car will taper off after 290kph, reaching zero at 355kph, the following car within a yet-unspecified-gap to the leading car will benefit from MGUK Override providing 350kW up to 337kph. The Override system will increase the significance of energy deployment strategy and will, theoretically, add another element to racing. F1 has introduced this system because the DRS system as we know it comes to an end with the 2026 regulations.

FIA

Aerodynamics

The termination of the DRS system, which has been controversial for its effect on racing, is one of the most notable changes of the 2026 regulations. Ever since its introduction in 2011, fans have criticized the DRS for making overtaking too easy and acting as a "push to overtake" button. From 2026 and beyond, a car following within 1 second of the car in front will not have an additional aerodynamic aid on the straights. However, the active aerodynamics element of the DRS system is not only retained but also expanded.

To balance the low downforce configuration on the rear wing, the front wing will also include a moveable element to reduce drag. With both front and rear wings open, the car will enter a low downforce "X-Mode", which will be available to all cars on straights. Upon driver activation or break pressure, the car will go back into high downforce "Z-Mode" for the corners. Since all cars, leading or following, will have the low downforce mode, the previously discussed MGU-K Override becomes critical for overtaking and defending.

FIA

The new lower, wider rear wings will have 3 elements and the end plates have been simplified, while the lower beam wing will be removed. The radically different front wing moves the endplates further inward, and the overall width of the wing has been reduced by 100mm. The redesigned front wing reflects the move to an inwash concept that draws airflow toward the center of the car. The switch in aerodynamic concept is due to the dirty air created by the current outwash cars and FIA's push for closer racing. Additionally, the front wheel arches introduced in 2022 will be removed, and part of the wheel bodywork will be mandated, to help achieve optimal wake performance. The prominent in-washing wheel wake control boards will sit on the front of the side pods to assist with the control of the wheel wake, again, to reduce the extent of dirty air.

Arguably the most powerful aerodynamic components of the current cars are the floor and diffuser, thus earning the suitable title "ground effect cars". For 2026, the floors will be mandated to be partially flat, and the effect of the diffuser will be dialed down. This will, supposedly, reduce the reliance of cars on ultra-stiff and low set-ups, likely to be a popular change amongst drivers.

The removal of the rear beam and mandatory partially flat floor signal the FIA's intent to reduce drag. If a car has less aerodynamic drag, it demands less energy for the same propulsion. The result is improved efficiency and yet again, the magic word: sustainability. The FIA calculates the changes will result in a 55% reduction in drag and a 30% reduction in downforce. Given that most F1 circuits reward cornering performance, it is safe to conclude that the 2026 cars will probably produce slower lap times.

FIA

Chassis

Designed to be smaller and lighter than the current generation of cars, the dimensions of the car have been modified to adhere to the ‘nimble car’ concept that the FIA has passionately emphasized. The wheelbase will be decreased from a maximum of 3600mm to 3400mm, the width will be reduced from 2000mm to 1900mm, and the maximum floor width will be reduced by 150mm. The 18-inch wheel size introduced in 2022 is being retained, however, the width of the front tires has been reduced by 25mm and the rears by 30mm with apparently minimal loss in grip. Weight reduction has been a major priority and the FIA is very proud to declare the 2026 cars will have a minimum weight of 768kg – 30 kg down from today's cars. The enhancements of the electric unit will prove to be a challenge to reach that minimum weight, but it represents a step in the right direction, and along with the reduced dimensions, is a rejection of the physical growth trajectory of F1 cars in the last 2 decades.

In 2022, the FIA introduced new car regulations to improve following and promote closer racing. Those efforts were made to little avail, with dirty air still hampering the downforce and tire life of cars if followed too closely. However, with the 2026 regulations, the FIA is optimistic and believes the new rules will be successful in reaching their racing and sustainability targets. It is apparent that the FIA's priorities are fan entertainment, sustainability, and driver safety. But alas, all of this remains but mere speculation until the cars hit the track in two years' time.