Photo by Jenda Kubeš via Pexels
A lot of changes are coming for next season. The 2026 season brings the biggest technical overhaul in decades — arguably the biggest since 2014, when F1 switched to V6 hybrid engines. But this isn’t just about tweaks — it’s a complete reboot aimed at tighter racing, more efficient technology, and a sustainable future. Here’s what’s coming:
What’s Staying (But Changing)
The Core Engine
The heart of the car remains a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6, but here’s the twist: it will be significantly less powerful on its own.
18-Inch Wheels
The larger wheels introduced in 2022 are staying. However, tires are getting narrower — the fronts slimmed down by 25mm, and the rears by 30mm — helping to cut both drag and weight.
Ground-Effect Aerodynamics
The underfloor design that pulls cars toward the track (reintroduced in 2022) stays. But it’s being refined to reduce bouncing (known as “porpoising”) and to create much less overall downforce.
Fuel Management
Fuel usage rules still apply, but now the focus shifts to total energy consumed, integrating the hybrid system better — and welcoming fully sustainable fuels.
What’s Being Removed or Dramatically Changed
Goodbye MGU-H
The complex system that captured heat energy from the turbo is gone. It was expensive, hard to maintain, and not very useful outside of F1.
Farewell DRS
The Drag Reduction System — that movable rear wing flap used for overtaking — is being retired. Many see it as an artificial aid that’s overstayed its welcome.
Smaller, Lighter Cars!
Finally! After years of ballooning size, F1 cars are shrinking:
- Shorter wheelbase (from 3600mm down to 3400mm)
- Narrower body (2000mm to 1900mm)
- Lighter weight (from ~798kg to 768kg)
That means nimbler cars, more agile racing, and better wheel-to-wheel action.
Less Downforce & Drag
Expect 30% less downforce and a whopping 55% reduction in drag. The main goal? Clear out that dirty air — which currently makes it hard for cars to follow closely — and create more natural overtaking opportunities.
Stronger Safety
Upgraded crash structures, tougher roll hoops, and improved side impact protection will make 2026 cars some of the safest F1 has ever seen.
What’s Brand New for 2026
Hybrid Power Revolution
This is where it gets wild:
- The MGU-K (electric motor) will now produce 350kW, nearly triple the current output.
- Cars will store almost double the recovered energy per lap.
- Power will be a true 50/50 split — around 400kW from the engine and 400kW from the electric system.
100% Sustainable Fuel
F1 will run entirely on synthetic, non-fossil fuels — with zero fossil carbon in the mix.
Active Aerodynamics (X-Mode & Z-Mode)
Replacing DRS, cars will now feature automatic aero shifts:
- X-Mode for straights: wings flatten to cut drag.
- Z-Mode for corners: wings adjust to boost grip.
It’s the first time active aero will be used this way in modern F1.
“Push-to-Pass” Button
Drivers within one second of the car ahead will get access to a temporary power boost — tapping into the full electric potential (~350kW) for a real overtaking advantage.
So what can we add more? Let’s explore
Greener Racing
Massive hybrid output + fully sustainable fuel = a big leap toward F1’s carbon-neutral 2030 goal.
Better Racing
Smaller cars, smarter aero, less dirty air, and no more artificial DRS — this should lead to more genuine overtakes and closer battles.
A Fresh Challenge
This is a total reset for teams and drivers. Energy management, hybrid strategy, and aero control will define the new elite. Innovation will separate the winners from the midfield.
New Manufacturer Battle
Audi is joining. Ford is back (with Red Bull). Honda’s staying. And everyone’s racing toward the same goal: mastering hybrid power and energy efficiency.
