F1 2026 regulation changes explained: Everything you need to know
F1 2026 regulation changes explained: Everything you need to know
Upcoming regulation changes will redefine F1 racing from the 2026 season onward; here's a deep dive into those major alterations.
The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has finally unveiled the new regulations that will come into effect in 2026, a year Andretti insist they would be ready to enter F1 despite the sport rejecting the idea.
READ MORE: F1 needs to FIX female pathway after Jamie Chadwick success
The comprehensive set of new power unit rules aims to revolutionize the sport, focusing on enhancing competitiveness, safety, and sustainability.
Aerodynamic regulations will also be tweaked to promote closer racing, while the chassis will be redesigned to be lighter and nimbler. Safety will be further strengthened, with even stricter protocols implemented to ensure the well-being of drivers.
So, what exactly is changing? Let's break it down.
New 2026 F1 regulations explained
Power Unit
The hybrid engine will feature a way more powerful battery component which will generate three times the electrical power compared to the current hybrid setup. This translates to a jump from 120kW to a staggering 350kW.
And while the internal combustion engine (ICE) element will see a slight decrease in power output (from 550-560kW to 400kW), the overall power available will actually increase and more sustainably will be produced.
Also, the new power units will be able to capture double the amount of energy from braking, generating a massive 8.5 megajoules per lap.
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the Manual Override Mode "MOM" feature which will be introduced to provide more overtaking opportunities, replacing the current Drag Reduction System "DRS".
When a leading car reaches 290 kilometres per hour (km/h), the energy deployment starts to taper off, eventually reaching zero at 355 km/h. However, a chasing car within one second can unleash a temporary 350kW power boost lasting until 337 km/h using MOM. This translates to roughly 0.5 megajoules of extra energy, potentially aiding a crucial overtaking attempt.
The revamped regulations, including the removal of the MGU-H, have attracted a lot of engine manufacturers. Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault have all pledged their continued participation, while Honda is making a comeback, Audi joining the grid, and Ford partnering with Red Bull Powertrains.
READ MORE: NASCAR VP makes admission as Iowa repave controversy continues
Aerodynamics
The sport will also introduce a suite of changes in aerodynamics aimed at making the F1 machines smaller and lighter.
A revolutionary addition for 2026 is the introduction of an active aerodynamics system. Cars will feature movable front and rear wings, with the front wing being 100mm narrower with a two-element flap and the rear wing having three elements, with the lower beam wing removed.
Similar to the DRS, drivers can deploy a "Z-mode" setting that opens and angles the wing elements on both the front and rear wings, maximising downforce for sharper cornering. Conversely, an "X-mode" setting adjusts the wing flaps for a low-drag configuration, boosting straight-line speed.
In addition, front wheel arches will be removed and part of the wheel bodywork will be mandated to achieve optimal wake performance. In-washing wheel wake control boards will also be mounted on the front of the sidepods to control the wheel wake.
Furthermore, the 2026 cars will have a "partially" flat floor and a lower-powered diffuser. This reduces the ground effect as well as the car's reliance on ultra-stiff and low-set-up.
READ MORE: Jimmie Johnson: The career of a NASCAR superstar and legend
Chassis
Cars will shed their bulk, becoming both shorter and narrower. The wheelbase shrinks by 200mm to 3400mm, while the width gets a 100mm reduction to 1900mm. The floor width also narrows by 150mm.
Weight reduction is a major focus, with the minimum weight dropping by 30kg to 768kg. This includes both the car itself (722kg) and the estimated tyre weight (46kg).
Downforce is being trimmed by 30%. Additionally, drag is targeted for a 55% reduction. These changes aim to improve overall efficiency and handling, making cars more raceable by allowing them to follow each other more closely.
The 18-inch wheels introduced in 2022 are here to stay but with slightly narrower profiles. Front tyres will shrink by 25mm and rears by 30mm, with the FIA assuring minimal impact on grip.
READ MORE: Kyle Larson: The life and career of a NASCAR champion and rising IndyCar star
Sustainability
From 2026 onward, F1 will transition to entirely sustainable fuels. This means no more burning of new fossil carbon – a significant leap forward in reducing the sport's environmental footprint.
This fuel will also be "drop-in", which means it can be used in almost any ICE-powered vehicle, and by 2030, there will be around 1.2bn such cars on the road worldwide and the fuel developed in F1 could be used to reduce emissions.
Additionally, there will be increased use of electric power in the 2026 units, with a transition to a 50% electrical and 50% thermal power distribution.
READ MORE: Ex-F1 boss shares DISLIKE for Verstappen hobby
Safety
In 2026, the front impact structure (FIS) will include a two-stage structure. This change aims to prevent incidents similar to those in recent years where the FIS has broken off near the survival cell after the initial impact, leaving the car vulnerable to any subsequent impacts.
Side protection is also getting a boost, especially around the driver's seat. The fuel cell area will be much stronger too, with more than double the current protection - all without making the cars any heavier.
Stronger roll hoops are another improvement. They are expected to withstand even higher forces (20G), and test simulations will also see an increase to 167kN.
Finally, lateral safety lights will be installed to indicate the ERS (Energy Recovery System) status of a car when it is stationary on track, further enhancing driver and marshal safety.
READ MORE: Where does Red Bull legend Adrian Newey shift to next?
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
MAJOR F1 coverage absence revealed with unusual reason
- Today 05:00
F1 Race Today: Austrian Grand Prix 2024 start times, schedule and ESPN coverage
- Today 04:00
Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner 'FINISHED' after latest conflict
- Today 03:00
Audi confirm Las Vegas TEST as F1 preparations ramp up
- Today 02:00
Horner disregards ANY chance of Verstappen move to Mercedes
- Today 01:00
Ricciardo F1 future talks to 'intensify' with HUGE Marko role
- Yesterday 23:59
F1 Race Calendar 2024
-
GP BAHRAIN
29 Feb - 2 Mar
Max Verstappen
-
GP SAUDI ARABIA
7 - 9 Mar
Max Verstappen
-
GP AUSTRALIA
22 - 24 Mar
Carlos Sainz
-
GP JAPAN
5 - 7 Apr
Max Verstappen
-
GP CHINA
19 - 21 Apr
Max Verstappen
-
GP USA
3 - 5 May
Lando Norris
-
GP ITALY
17 - 19 May
Max Verstappen
-
GP MONACO
24 - 26 May
Charles Leclerc
-
GP CANADA
7 - 9 Jun
Max Verstappen
-
GP SPAIN
21 - 23 Jun
Max Verstappen
- GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun
- GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul
- GP HUNGARY 19 - 21 Jul
- GP BELGIUM 26 - 28 Jul
- GP NETHERLANDS 23 - 25 Aug
F1 Race Today: Austrian Grand Prix 2024 start times, schedule and ESPN coverage
FIA declare Verstappen PENALTY decision after Austrian GP mistake
F1 2024 Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying: start times, schedule and TV
F1 Austrian Grand Prix Sprint Race 2024 start times, schedule and TV
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- AWS Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860
Realtimes | Publishing Network
Copyright (©) 2017 - 2024 GPFans.com
Realtimes | Publishing Network