The FIA just announced the rules for the 2026 Formula 1 season and revealed how the cars will look. They’re making the cars smaller and lighter this time. The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear wheels, will be shorter by 200 millimeters, down to 3,400 millimeters.
The width of the cars will also decrease by 100 millimeters to 1,900 millimeters, and they will be lighter by 66 pounds, down to 1,693 pounds. The tires from Pirelli will be smaller too, with the front tires being 25 millimeters narrower and the rear tires 30 millimeters narrower. However, they will keep the 18-inch wheels introduced in 2022.
There are big changes to the aerodynamics too. Teams can now design active aerodynamics for both the front and rear wings. This means they can adjust the wings while driving. The front wing will have two parts, and the rear wing will have three.
Unlike the current system, drivers can activate this aerodynamic aid whenever they want, but only in certain parts of the track for safety. These changes are expected to make the cars have 55% less drag and 30% less downforce than before, which could lead to closer racing.
The engines will also be different. The current 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engines, which now use sustainable fuel, will produce less power, around 536 horsepower compared to the current 738 horsepower.
But there will be more electric power, aiming for a balance between combustion and electric power. The electric component will provide around 470 horsepower, much more than the current 160 horsepower. The cars are expected to be faster overall.
The cars will also harvest more energy from braking, about 8.5 megajoules per lap. Drivers will have a new switch called the “MGU-K Override” which gives them a boost of power when they’re close to the car in front, helping them overtake.
Safety features are also getting an upgrade, with a new nose design to reduce the chance of it detaching in a crash, better side protection, and improved safety lights to show the status of the car’s energy system. These changes aim to make the sport safer and more exciting without adding extra weight to the cars.
