FIA unveils newest 2026 F1 automotive design

• New rules will go into impact for Formulation 1 race vehicles in 2026
• Subsequent-gen F1 race vehicles could have much less downforce, extra electrical energy, and a Handbook Override mode for overtaking
• F1 vehicles will turn out to be smaller and lighter, run on artificial gas, and nonetheless go 220 mph with quicker cornering

Formulation 1 is ready to enter a brand new period in 2026 and the FIA, which sanctions the game, on Thursday offered a have a look at the most recent design idea that can affect the form of the race vehicles.

The important thing purpose for the designers was to reinforce sustainability within the sport, however conventional concerns, resembling enhancing the competitors and security, have not been ignored.

New F1 vehicles: Extra energy, extra electrification

Within the space of energy models, 100% sustainable gas, probably even a artificial e-fuel, might be launched. The energy models themselves will follow the present turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 hybrid format, however might be made less complicated because of the elimination of the MGU-H, the electrical motor-generator that recovers exhaust vitality by way of the turbocharger.

The MGU-Okay 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 this moment to 154 kilos in 2026.

One different huge change is what the FIA calls a Handbook Override mode. This may 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 pace of 180 mph, reaching zero at 220 mph.

The brand new energy unit design has already managed to draw a file variety of suppliers. Whereas Renault will now not provide an influence unit from 2026, different present suppliers Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz AMG, and Pink Bull Racing, which is presently utilizing a Honda design, will all have new designs. As well as, Audi will enter the game in 2026, each as an influence unit provider and constructor. Honda can be set to return as an influence unit provider, working with Aston Martin, whereas Pink Bull will work with Ford by itself new energy unit.

Lighter, nimbler vehicles

A side 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 lowered by 150 mm (5.9 inches). This, the designers say, will end in nimbler vehicles, and must also assist with overtaking, particularly on slender tracks.

The wheels, nonetheless 18 inches in diameter, will even turn out 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 stated.

The smaller dimension of the automotive will end in much less weight. The 2026 vehicles could have a minimal weight of 1,693 kilos, down 66 kilos from the present minimal. The minimal weight determine consists of the load of the motive force.

2026 Formulation 1 design idea – Picture by way of FIA

New energetic aerodynamics

The design guidelines will even shake up the aerodynamics. The vehicles will function new energetic aerodynamic techniques consisting of movable entrance and rear wings, which the FIA stated will end in higher cornering speeds. For the straights, as an alternative of the present Drag Discount System that may solely be deployed in sure sections of the monitor, the drivers in 2026 will have the ability to 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 energetic flap, whereas the rear wing could have a three-element system. The rear wing will even lose the present decrease beam wing, and the top plate designs might be simplified. The present entrance wheel arches might be eliminated, and new boards on the entrance of the aspect pods will assist with the management of wheel wake, the FIA stated.

The vehicles will even have {a partially} flat flooring and a much less efficient diffuser, which can cut back the bottom impact.

The FIA stated the modifications will end in 30% much less downforce and 55% much less drag in comparison with the present vehicles.

2026 Formulation 1 design idea – Picture by way of FIA

Improved security

Lastly, security will get an extra increase from the already stringent ranges. This may primarily be achieved by means of stronger constructions and more durable testing procedures. Key measures will embody the introduction of a two-stage crash construction up entrance as an alternative of the single-stage design presently used to guard the passenger cell from secondary frontal impacts. Roll hoop masses will even be elevated consistent with different single-seat racing classes, and new rear wing endplate lights might be required.

The reveal of the most recent design idea comes a day after the World Motor Sport Council’s remaining assembly for 2024, which befell in Kigali, Rwanda. The World Motor Sport Council is the physique throughout the FIA that decides on guidelines, rules, security for all sequence sanctioned by the FIA.

On the assembly, the most recent design idea was accredited forward of groups with the ability to work on their 2026 automotive aerodynamics for the primary time beginning on Jan. 1, 2025.

It was additionally agreed upon {that a} new part of rules might be created for 2026 and past, referred to as Operational Rules. These will purpose to manage sure F1 workforce actions that happen away from the race weekend, resembling limitations to aerodynamic testing, energy unit testing, and obligatory shutdown intervals. Many of those actions presently comply with guidelines outlined beneath the Sporting Rules.