After previews and small teasers, the FIA has finally revealed what will be the 2026 F1 regulations. A revolution of the revolution because, if the 2022 regulations had already represented a clear break with the recent past, moving closer to ground effect to reduce aerodynamic turbulence in the slipstream, in two years Formula 1 will change its path again.
The 2026 cars will have a new identity, starting from the abandonment of the ground effect, because the bottom will return to being partially flat and the effectiveness of the diffuser will be significantly reduced thanks to a reduced profile. This will allow teams to not have to rely on extremely stiff setups to keep the cars low for ground effect to work, something that drivers have repeatedly complained about over the past two and a half years.
The dimensions of the cars have been revised, given that the maximum length in terms of wheelbase drops to 3400mm, or 20 cm less than the current single-seaters. The maximum width drops by 10cm to a total of 1900mm, while the weight has also undergone a reduction. Given the trend that in recent years has seen cars continue to increase in mass, making them less agile, one of the FIA’s objectives for this regulatory set was to reverse the direction: the new cars that will debut in 2026 will weigh 768 kg per dry, with a reduction of 30 kg compared to the 2022 cars.
FIA 2026 F1 car rendering
Photo by: FIA
The Power Units will also change, which will lose the MGU-H, a technology considered too expensive and complex to attract new manufacturers. Nonetheless, the contribution of electrical energy will still be increased, given that they will provide approximately 50% of the maximum power expressed by the Power Unit. These changes also pushed the engineers to evaluate an active aerodynamic system, so that on straights the incidence of the wings can be reduced to reduce drag, with a consequent saving in electricity and fuel to push the car.
FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem spoke precisely on the need to adapt the technical regulations of the single-seaters to the energy requirements of the 2026 PUs: “Today the FIA is defining an extremely exciting future for the pinnacle of motorsport with the launch of a new series of regulations for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Championship.
“Following the publication of the 2026 Power Unit regulations two years ago, we took the opportunity to redefine the chassis regulations to adapt them to the energy requirements of the new Power Units. In collaboration with our Formula 1 partners, with the assistance from the 10 teams and all stakeholders, this is a first-of-its-kind overhaul, which will ensure the championship is even more relevant to what is happening in the world.”
FIA 2026 F1 car rendering
Photo by: FIA
Ben Sulayem underlined how important it was to change existing regulations to attract new manufacturers to the top open-wheel series. After the publication of the 2026 rules, not only the brands already present confirmed their participation, but also Honda and Audi, to which Cadillac could also be added if Andretti’s application was accepted.
“The Power Unit regulations have already led to a record number of PU manufacturers getting involved in the sport. Now, combined with the chassis regulations, which provide for lighter and more agile cars with innovative aerodynamic solutions, we have created a series of regulations designed not only to improve racing, but also to make the championship even more attractive to PU manufacturers, OEMs and existing competitors,” added the FIA President
The main features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced and sustainable technology and safety. Our goal, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car fit for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved this goal.”
Stefano Domenicali
Photo by: Erik Junius
Also on the same wavelength was the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, who wanted to underline the importance of the new regulations from a sustainability point of view. In 2026, in fact, in addition to having a greater percentage of energy offered by the electric part, the cars will use less fuel, which will in any case be completely sustainable: “These regulations mark an important moment for the future of our sport, as we expect a new generation of cars and Power Units that aim to give our fans more compelling and exciting races.”
“The new sustainably powered hybrid power unit represents a huge opportunity for the global automotive industry: it has the potential to be used in cars around the world and dramatically reduce emissions. Its potential is one of the main reasons why we will have a record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 in 2026.”
“We enter this new regulatory cycle with the sport in the strongest position it has ever been in and I am confident that the work carried out by the FIA to create these regulations will further strengthen Formula 1’s position around the world,” added Domenicali.
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