- New rules will go into impact for Method 1 race vehicles in 2026
- Subsequent-gen F1 race vehicles can have much less downforce, extra electrical energy, and a Handbook Override mode for overtaking
- F1 vehicles will grow to be smaller and lighter, run on artificial gas, and nonetheless go 220 mph with quicker cornering
Method 1 is ready to enter a brand new period in 2026 and the FIA, which sanctions the game, on Thursday offered a primary have a look at the design guidelines that can form the vehicles.
The important thing goal for the designers was to reinforce sustainability within the sport, however conventional concerns, reminiscent of enhancing the competitors and security, have not been ignored.
New F1 vehicles: Extra energy, extra electrification
Within the space of energy items, 100% sustainable gas, presumably even a artificial e-fuel, can be launched. The energy items themselves will persist with the present turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 hybrid format, however can be made easier as a result of elimination of the MGU-H, the electrical motor-generator that recovers exhaust vitality through the turbocharger.
The MGU-Ok unit, which helps drive the wheels and recovers vitality beneath 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 general gas utilization throughout a race ought to drop from about 220 kilos right now to 154 kilos in 2026.
One different large change is what the FIA calls a Handbook Override mode. It will present drivers with an on-demand burst {of electrical} vitality they’ll use when they’re near a automotive in entrance to assist with overtaking. For a number one automotive, the vitality will taper off after a velocity of 180 mph, reaching zero at 220 mph.
The brand new energy unit design has already managed to draw a file variety of suppliers. Along with present suppliers Alpine, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz AMG, in addition to Crimson 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 also be set to return as an influence unit provider, working with Aston Martin, whereas Crimson Bull will work with Ford by itself new energy unit.
Lighter, nimbler vehicles
A facet that can attraction to followers is a smaller automotive. The wheelbase will drop from a most of three,600 mm (141.7 inches) to three,400 mm (133.6 inches), whereas the width will shrink from 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) to 1,900 mm (74.8 inches). The utmost flooring width will even be decreased by 150 mm (5.9 inches). This, the designers say, will end in nimbler vehicles, and also needs to assist with overtaking, particularly on slim tracks.
The wheels, nonetheless 18 inches in diameter, will even grow to be narrower, down 25 mm (0.98 inch) on the entrance and 30 mm (1.18 inches) on the rear, although with solely a minimal loss in grip, the FIA mentioned.
The smaller measurement of the automotive will end in much less weight. The 2026 vehicles can have a minimal weight of 1,693 kilos, down 66 kilos from the present minimal. The minimal weight determine consists of the burden of the driving force.
2026 Method 1 race automotive design – Picture credit score: FIA
New lively aerodynamics
The design guidelines will even shake up the aerodynamics. The vehicles will function new lively aerodynamic methods consisting of movable entrance and rear wings, which the FIA mentioned will end in larger cornering speeds. For the straights, as a substitute of the present Drag Discount System that may solely be deployed in sure sections of the observe, the drivers in 2026 will be capable of swap to a low-drag configuration referred to as X-Mode anytime they hit a straight.
The entrance wing, now narrower, will function a two-element lively flap, whereas the rear wing can have a three-element system. The rear wing will even lose the present decrease beam wing, and the tip plate designs can be simplified. The present entrance wheel arches can be eliminated, and new boards on the entrance of the facet pods will assist with the management of wheel wake, the FIA mentioned.
The vehicles will even have {a partially} flat flooring and a much less efficient diffuser, which can scale back the bottom impact.
The FIA mentioned the modifications will end in 30% much less downforce and 55% much less drag in comparison with the present vehicles.
2026 Method 1 race automotive design – Picture credit score: FIA
Improved security
Lastly, security will get an additional increase from the already stringent ranges. It will primarily be achieved by means of stronger constructions and harder testing procedures. Key measures will embrace the introduction of a two-stage crash construction up entrance as a substitute of the single-stage design presently used to guard the passenger cell from secondary frontal impacts. Roll hoop masses will even be elevated in keeping with different single-seat racing classes, and new rear wing endplate lights can be required.
The 2026 design guidelines are usually not but finalized. The subsequent step can be a vote by the World Motor Sport Council, a separate governing physique throughout the FIA, on June 28.
