- New rules will go into impact for Formulation 1 race vehicles in 2026
- Subsequent-gen F1 race vehicles may have much less down pressure, extra electrical energy, and a Handbook Overide mode for overtaking
- F1 vehicles are about to change into smaller, lighter, run on artificial gasoline, and nonetheless go 220 mph with quicker cornering
Formulation 1 is about to enter a brand new period in 2026 and the FIA, which sanctions the game, on Thursday supplied a primary take a look at the design guidelines that can form the vehicles.
The important thing goal for the designers was to boost sustainability within the sport, however conventional areas like bettering the competitors and security have not been ignored.
Extra energy, extra electrification
Within the space of energy items, 100% sustainable gasoline, probably even a artificial e-fuel, might be launched. The energy items themselves will stick to the present turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 hybrid format, however might be made less complicated as a result of elimination of the MGU-H, the electrical motor-generator which recovers exhaust power through the turbocharger.
The MGU-Ok unit, which helps drive the wheels and recovers power below braking, will stay and deploy extra energy. The foundations name for a rise in electrical energy to 469 hp from the present 160 hp. Peak output of the system will nonetheless be greater than 1,000 hp, although total gasoline utilization throughout a race ought to drop from about 220 kilos in the present day to 154 kilos in 2026.
One different massive change is what the FIA calls a Handbook Override mode. This can present drivers with an on-demand burst {of electrical} power they will use when they’re near a automotive in entrance to assist with overtaking. For a number one automotive, the power will taper off after a pace of 180 mph, reaching zero at 220 mph.
The brand new energy unit design has already managed to draw a report variety of suppliers. Along with present suppliers Alpine, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz AMG, in addition to Pink Bull Racing, which is presently utilizing a Honda design, Audi will enter the game in 2026, each as an influence unit provider and constructor. Honda can be set to return as an influence unit provider, working with Aston Martin, whereas Pink Bull will work with Ford by itself new energy unit.
Lighter, nimbler vehicles
A side that can attraction to followers is a smaller automotive. The wheelbase will drop from a most of three,600 mm to three,400 mm, whereas the width will scale back from 2,000 mm to 1,900 mm. The utmost flooring width may also scale back by 150 mm. This, the designers say, will lead to nimbler vehicles, and also needs to assist with overtaking, particularly on slim tracks.
The wheels, nonetheless 18 inches in diameter, may also change into narrower, down 25 mm on the entrance and 30 mm on the rear, although with solely a minimal loss in grip, the FIA stated.
The smaller measurement of the automotive will lead to much less weight. The 2026 vehicles may have a minimal weight of 1,693 kilos, down 66 kilos from the present minimal. The minimal weight determine contains the burden of the driving force.
2026 Formulation 1 race automotive design – Picture credit score: FIA
New energetic aerodynamics
The design guidelines may also shake up the aerodynamics. The vehicles will function new energetic aerodynamic methods consisting of movable entrance and rear wings, which the FIA stated will lead to better cornering speeds. And for the straights, as an alternative of the present Drag Discount System that may solely be deployed at sure sections of the observe, the drivers in 2026 will be capable of swap to a low-drag configuration known as X-Mode anytime they hit a straight.
The entrance wing, now narrower, will function a two-element energetic flap whereas the rear wing may have a three-element system. The rear wing may also lose the present decrease beam wing, and the tip plate designs might be simplified. The present entrance wheel arches might be eliminated, and new boards on the entrance of the aspect pods will assist with the management of wheel wake, the FIA stated.
The vehicles may also have {a partially} flat flooring and a lower-powered diffuser, which is able to scale back the bottom impact.
The FIA stated the adjustments will lead to 30% much less downforce and 55% much less drag in comparison with the present vehicles.
2026 Formulation 1 race automotive design – Picture credit score: FIA
Improved security
Lastly, security will get an additional increase from the already stringent ranges. This can primarily be achieved by way of stronger buildings and harder testing procedures. Key measures will embrace the introduction of a two-stage crash construction up entrance as an alternative of the single-stage design presently used to guard the passenger cell from secondary frontal impacts. Roll hoop hundreds may also be elevated in keeping with different single-seat racing classes, and new rear wing endplate lights might be required.
The 2026 design guidelines usually are not but finalized. The following step might be a vote by the World Motor Sport Council, a separate governing physique inside the FIA, on June 28.
