F1 and the FIA have revealed the details of the 2026 technical regulations, aimed at shaking up the field and improving the racing on multiple levels. Some of the fans’ biggest desires have been fulfilled with lighter and theoretically more agile cars set to take to the track in less than 18 months.
The headline changes relate to size and weight. The current ground-effect cars are heavy and bulky, making them far less agile than previous generations in wheel-to-wheel combat. The new machines will be 30kg lighter, 20cm shorter and 10cm narrower than their predecessors.
Tyres will also be targeted in the 2026 regulations. The 18-inch wheel size, introduced in 2022, is here to stay, but the width has been adjusted to match the narrower car sizes. Moving forward, the front tyres will be 2.5cm narrower, and the rear tyres will be 3cm narrower.
Power units will be critical to the upcoming regulation changes, and to accommodate for the new engines, the chassis has been adapted so that downforce will be reduced by 30 per cent, with drag also reducing by 55 per cent. These changes were possible thanks to the introduction of active aerodynamic components.
The front and rear wings have both undergone major revamps for 2026. The front wing is narrower than those currently used under the ground effect regulations, and the rear wing returns to a three-element configuration with no lower beam wing, as is the case presently.
Safety elements have also been improved. F1 is constantly chasing innovation in this department, and the 2026 regulations are no different. Cars will feature a two-stage front impact structure and the roll hoop will be able to resist loads of 20G, increased from 16G under the current ruleset.
One of the most fascinating changes pertains to the future of DRS. The system, introduced back in 2011, has been controversial. It is unpopular but necessary. However, in 2026 it will be gone, replaced with a ‘Manual Override Mode’. This system will allow drivers to use increased electrical energy with greater efficiency on the straights.
Greater use of electric power will also be critical in helping F1 reach its sustainability goals. The new generation of cars will be the series’ most eco-friendly yet with the all-new power units set to generate 50 per cent electrical power and 50 per cent thermal power.
