Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Formula 1 governing body, FIA, is about to roll out its biggest regulation changes in decades while showing confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem leading the way after he was re-elected for a second term as FIA President.
While the dust has only just settled on one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory, all eyes are swiftly turning to 2026 which will be when one of the biggest resets the sport has ever seen.
While there have been minor changes regularly in the past, this is the first time a major overhaul has been lined up since the COVID-19 pandemic peak in 2020, when budgets were cut for car development. In 2024, there was a pause and teams were told to plan for 2026.
“This marks a defining moment for the Formula One World Championship,” Ben Sulayem said. “The new regulations are the result of a huge amount of effort and dedication towards strengthening the Championship for the next decade and beyond.”
At the heart of the new regulations is making cars smaller, lighter, and more agile. They will be 30 kilogrammes lighter, with a target of 724kg for the car plus the mass of the tyres. The dimensions of the cars have also been altered, with the wheelbase down by 200mm to 3400mm. The width of the car has been reduced by 100mm, and the floor width has been reduced by 150mm.
The Drag Reduction System (DRS), which allowed drivers to attack their rivals ahead for 15 years, is no more, replaced by moveable front and rear wings that allow drivers to switch between two distinct modes.
While DRS was primarily an overtaking aid, the new active aero system is primarily designed to help conserve energy, as reducing drag on straights is essential for efficient energy use with power units that will rely much more on electrical energy.
From here on in, the chief overtaking assist will come from an additional electrical energy via the new Overtake Mode. When drivers are within a second of the car in front at activation points, they will be able to deploy additional power energy to try to pass.
There will be new power units as well. Still centred around a 1.6-litre hybrid powerplant, the redesigned PU builds on the world’s most efficient engines with a remarkable 300% increase in battery power and even split between internal combustion and electric power.
Constructors
Alongside regular suppliers Mercedes and Ferrari, Audi enter for the first time, Honda fully return to the sport with Aston Martin after exiting in 2021, and Ford join the grid.
The regulations have also led to the arrival of a new Constructor in the shape of Cadillac. At the season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix, GM’s premium brand will become the sport’s first wholly new entrant since Haas in 2016.
The increase in electrical energy is just one element of a major FIA move towards a more sustainable Formula 1 and from 2026, all F1 cars will use advanced sustainable fuels.
The 2026 regulations are not just about improved racing - the FIA’s ceaseless mission to continually raise safety levels will also lead to 2026 cars being safer and more secure than ever. Revised front impact structure and increased side intrusion protection will further protect drivers in the event of an impact.
