New look of Formula 1 revealed

FIA has provided the first glimpse of the “more agile, competitive, safer and sustainable” Formula 1 cars from 2026 and beyond.

The big news of the 2026 regulations come on the eve of the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, which begins tonight, but the rules still await sign off later this month.

The revised aerodynamic regulations will arrive alongside new power units and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuel.

There will be a greater use of electric power with a shift towards 50% electrical and 50% thermal power distribution.

The new cars will be 30kg lighter with downforce reduced by 30% and drag by 55%.

One of the biggest changes will be the removal of the Drag Reduction System which has been in place since 2011.

Instead of the rear wing opening when within a second behind the car in front, cars will use active aerodynamics to engage “X-mode” which pulls the front and rear wings into a low-drag setting.

This can be utilised at any point, but cars will be in the more standard “Z-mode” for the majority of the lap.

In addition to the moveable wings, other key aero elements are a narrower front wing and the removal of the front wheel arches.

The wheelbase of the car has been reduced from 3600mm to 3400mm with the width of the cars dropping slightly from 2000mm to 1900mm.

Despite these changes, the 18-inch wheel size introduced in 2022 remains, but the width of the 2026 front and rear tyres will be reduced by 25mm and 30mm respectively.

FIA Single Seater Technical Director Nikolas Tombazis described the new regulations as a “nimble car concept.”

“With this set of regulations the FIA has sought to develop a new generation of cars that are fully in touch with the DNA of Formula 1 – cars that are light, supremely fast and agile,” he said.

“But which also remains at the cutting edge of technology, and to achieve this we worked towards what we called a ‘nimble car’ concept.

“At the centre of that vision is a redesigned power unit that features a more even split between the power derived from the internal combustion element and electrical power. 

“On the chassis side we have managed to reduce the size and weight of the car by 30kg resulting in a much more dynamic car. In addition we are introducing two exciting new features to enhance racing – active aerodynamics to achieve very low drag on the straights and the Manual Override system that will provide drivers with an on-demand burst of battery power when close enough to the car ahead of them.

“Lighter, more powerful and more focused on driver skill, the 2026 FIA Formula One Technical Regulations have been designed to provide closer racing among drivers, increase the competition between teams and to improve the spectacle. 

“In addition, we have opted for a higher electrical component of the power unit, a more efficient car overall, and fully sustainable fuels, as part of our drive towards a more sustainable future for our sport.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes the car is “right for the future of the sport’s elite category.”

“Today, the FIA is defining a hugely exciting future for the pinnacle of motorsport with the launch of a comprehensive new set of regulations for the 2026 FIA Formula One Championship and beyond,” he said.

“Following the publication of 2026 power unit regulations two years ago we have taken the opportunity to redefine the chassis regulations to match the energy requirement of the new power units. 

“Collaborating with our partners at Formula 1 and with the assistance of the sport’s 10 teams and all our stakeholders this represents a unique revision that will ensure our premier championship is even more relevant to what is happening in the world.

“The power unit regulations have already resulted in a record number of PU manufacturers committing to the sport. 

“And now, in tandem with chassis regulations that provide for lighter, more agile cars featuring innovative aerodynamic solutions, we have created a set of regulations designed to not only improve racing but also to make the championship even more attractive to PU manufacturers, OEMs and existing competitors.

“The key features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced, sustainability technology and safety. Our aim, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal.”

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