F1 2026 regulations: FIA reveals plans for smaller cars aimed to create better racing under new rules (2024)

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F1 2026 regulations: FIA reveals plans for smaller cars aimed to create better racing under new rules? ›

Among other changes, the 2026 cars are also set to take in active aerodynamics systems, featuring movable front and rear wings, with drivers able to switch between two modes to maximise top speed. Downforce and drag will also be reduced.

To make battery power go further, the FIA plans to slash drag levels in 2026, with the biggest saving coming from active aerodynamics. A more powerful version of the current drag reduction system (DRS) will be available to drivers on designated straights to reduce air resistance and ease the workload of the power unit.

The FIA say the 2026 cars will be switchable between two configurations, to either minimise fuel consumption or to maximise cornering performance. All-new active aerodynamics systems, involving movable front and rear wings, will be introduced. This will allow for greater cornering speeds with one wing angle deployed.

Hidden from view, the 2026 F1 cars will feature a partially flat floor and lower-powered diffuser to reduce the ground effect and not make performance so reliant on ultra-stiff and low ride-height set-ups.

The 2026 cars will also be smaller in dimensions, with 200 millimeters taken off the wheelbase and 100mm off the width.

The 2026 machines will feature movable front and rear wings to promote closer racing. The front wing will be 100mm narrower and have a two-element flap. The rear wing will also have three elements, with the lower beam wing removed.

Ever since the turbo hybrids arrived in 2014, there have been complaints about their lack of noise compared to the old V8s. And while they have got louder, and hopes were of a big step for 2026, it is clear that they are still not at a level that F1 wants.

The 18-inch wheel size will remain unchanged, however tyre width will be reduced by 25mm on the front and 30mm on the rear. The goal is for grip loss to minimised. On the aerodynamics side, there will be less reliance on generating downforce through ground effect, which was one of the pillars of the 2022 rules.

One of the FIA's key objectives is to encourage and implement the adoption of common regulations for all forms of motor sports and series across the world. This section contains the wide range of FIA Sporting and Technical Regulations in an easily downloadable format. Regulations. International Sporting Code.

Latest. From this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, the Official FIA Safety Car and Medical Car of Formula 1 will be powered by sustainable fuel, as the sport continues the journey to 100% sustainable fuels being used by F1 cars from 2026.

What F1 team is coming in 2026? ›

It is believed that Audi was swayed into joining F1 because the 2026 power units feature increased electrical power and 100 percent sustainable fuels. Audi was also understood to be supportive of F1's cost cap and its desire to be net zero by 2030.

In 2026, Ford will be the only manufacturer to be competing in racing disciplines from grassroots motorsports to Formula 1 comprising WEC and IMSA including Le Mans 24 Hours with Mustang GT3, WRC with the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1, Baja 1000 with Ranger Raptor and Bronco, and NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars with ...

However, for 2026 the MGU-H will be abandoned, largely due to its lack of relevance to road going cars, and the electrical unit contribution increased, meaning the new engine will be 50% ICU and 50% electric. This means the ICU will produce 400kW (536bhp) and the MGU-K section will contribute around 350kW (469bhp).

2026 regulation changes will see cars have all-new active aerodynamics, which involves adjustable front and rear wings. These new aero innovations will promote greater cornering speeds, lower drag, and greater straight-line speed with the change of angle.

Moving now onto the aerodynamics, the 2026 cars will include some crucial updates under this aspect as well. The new regulation foresees that there will no longer be DRS, but there will be new active-aerodynamics that will involve both the front wing and the rear wing.

"The cars are going to take a quite a big turn in terms of how they perform," said Russell, also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association that represents the drivers' interests. "They're going to be exceptionally quick in the straights, 360km/h probably at most tracks, which is pretty impressive.

From 2026, following intense research and testing with Formula 1 partner ARAMCO, the fuel in every race car will be fully sustainable. That means no new fossil carbon will be burned. Instead, the carbon will be derived from non-food sources, genuine municipal waste or even out of the atmosphere.

Formula 1 is also making big changes to its active aerodynamics. Cars have used a drag reduction system (DRS) as an overtaking aid since 2011, but from 2026 it will be used by all cars at all times. The revised active aero system will involve movable front and rear wings.

The drag reduction system was introduced in 2011, and whilst it has become the norm in the sport, it has always been a divisive tool regarding overtaking. For 2026, DRS will be replaced by a new acronym when it comes to overtaking - MOM - or Manual Override Mode.

- The cars will feature a partially flat floor and a lower-powered diffuser, which will reduce the ground effect and the reliance of the cars on ultra-stiff and low set-ups. - The FIA's rigorous pursuit of safety is upheld in the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.