The EHU Times

Everything in life changes quite quickly, and in this regard, Formula 1 is no exception. Unlike the 2022 regulations, the changes will affect not only the aerodynamic part. In fact, we are witnessing a new era within the most advanced sports discipline.

Cars under the new regulations will have to be redrawn from scratch. Moreover, this applies to both the chassis and the power plant, which will undergo fundamental changes for the first time since 2014. Let’s take a closer look at the changes in the 2026 cars.

Changes that should simplify Formula 1

A modern Formula 1 engine is an expensive and complex element. Firstly, since 2014, in addition to the internal combustion engine, which is represented by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, symbiosis with the electrical system is also used. The hybrid part of the powertrain includes several key elements to ensure the highest efficiency and performance.

The hybrid system is a highly efficient structure combining advanced technologies. It includes two generator-motor units (MGU-K and MGU-H), which convert the kinetic energy generated during braking and the thermal energy of the exhaust gases into electrical energy. This energy is stored in the lithium-ion battery and can be used to increase power during acceleration. The control system coordinates the operation of all components, ensuring optimal energy use in real time. This approach not only improves the power and efficiency of the powertrain, but also contributes to lower fuel consumption and lower emissions, making Formula 1 more environmentally friendly while maintaining high performance standards.

At the same time, in the current regulations, the internal combustion engine (ICE) remains the heart of the power plant. The 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine runs on high-performance ethanol fuel and is capable of revving up to 15,000 rpm and producing approximately 600 horsepower. Made from lightweight, high-strength materials such as titanium and aluminum alloys, it is designed to withstand extreme conditions and provide the base power required for maximum speed and performance.

What will happen in 2026?

From 2026, Formula 1 power units will remain in the same configuration: 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged, ERS and MGU-K. An increase in the permitted power of the hybrid part to 350 kW compensates for the abandonment of the MGU-H, increasing the «road relevance» of hybrid units. The transition to completely environmentally friendly fuel has been confirmed.

The FIA split the engine into two parts, giving more freedom to design the upper section with combustion chamber to optimize performance with the new fuel. The rate of fuel delivery will be limited by energy rather than mass or volume. Modifications to the lower end of the engine will be limited.

The dimensions of internal engine parts will be more precise, and all auxiliary devices, such as exhaust pipes, will need to withstand the life of the engine. Racers will be able to use three internal combustion engines and exhaust systems, and two MGU-K and energy storage systems per season. One additional element will be allowed in the first year of the new rules.

The performance of power plants will remain at the same level, and the costs of motorists will be reduced. A ceiling on spending on the development of new engines has been introduced: $95 million per year for the 2022-2025 seasons and 130 million from 2026. At the same time, the contribution of the hybrid installation to the power of the entire unit will be approximately 45-50%.

New powertrain control mode Manual Override Mode (MOM)

Formula 1 will introduce a Manual Override Mode (MOM), which will allow drivers to briefly increase power for overtaking, reminiscent of IndyCar’s push-to-pass systems and Formula E’s attack mode.

In the new MOM mode, the driver behind will receive additional energy from the ERS for one lap, which he can use at his discretion. This will give him a chance to overtake his opponent at key points in the race.

MOM mode will allow the chasing driver to use maximum available power from the MGU-K —  the electrical part of the powertrain — while the car in front will not be able to do so. When accelerating from 290 to 355 km/h, the leading car’s available electric power drops from 350 kW to zero. However, a rider in MOM mode will be able to continue to use 350kW up to 337km/h and recover up to 0.5MJ of extra energy per lap, on top of the normal 8.5MJ.

Completely new aerodynamics and the end of the trend towards larger cars

In 2026, Formula 1 expects significant changes to the technical regulations. The wheelbase of the cars will decrease from 3600 to 3400 mm, width — from 2000 to 1900 mm, and the minimum weight will decrease by a significant 30 kg: to 768 kg.

The 18-inch wheels introduced in 2022 will remain, but the width of the front wheels will be reduced by 25 mm and the rear by 30 mm. It looks like the landmark Drag Reduction System is going away . Instead of DRS, an active aerodynamics system with movable front and rear wings will be used. The bottom will become partially flat to reduce the ground effect. Riders will be able to switch between Z-mode for cornering speed and X-mode for straight-line speed, which reduces drag.

The front wing will be narrower by 100 mm, the wheel fenders will disappear, and mandatory parts will be added to reduce «dirty air». The aerodynamic departments of the teams will have to work hard, according to the FIA , the sports regulator of Formula 1, promises that downforce will be reduced by 30%, which will directly complicate the work of pilots. But they promise even more overtaking: drag will be reduced by 55%.

In addition, safety structures will be strengthened: the impact load requirement will increase from 16 to 20 G, and test loads will increase from 141 to 167 kN.

What do the pilots say directly?

Before and during the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, drivers were asked what they thought about the future regulations for the 2026 cars.

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin driver

«The regulations look complicated. Racers will have more work to do due to the need to press various buttons. The technologies of modern cars are very complex, and they are unlikely to be simplified in 2026.

«What we want is just close competition,» Alonso said. «Multiple race winners, opportunities for everyone. We don’t want to have dominance of three, four years, where only one team, one driver or two drivers, can win. So, hopefully, the 2026 rules can help on that, which is the only thing that Formula One is missing. The rest is great.

The engines are very ambitious. Perhaps some of the innovations in aerodynamics, the effectiveness of which we have to regulate on the straights, are designed to somehow compensate for the overly ambitious goals for the engines.»

«I think it will be impossible to immediately reach the goal of 30 kg,» Fernando Alonso said in turn. – If the power plant is half electric, then you will need an appropriate number of batteries. Just because of the new power plant, the base weight of the car will increase by 20-30 kg. And you want to reduce the total weight of the car by 30 kg — that is, it will need to be reduced by 60 kg relative to the current car. This will probably be an impossible task.

Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber

But Valtteri Bottas, whose Sauber team sits in last place with zero points on the year, offered some optimism. «A new era of regulations is always exciting, brings opportunities to different teams. It’s nice to see a change.»

 Max Verstappen, Oracle RedBull Racing Honda

«As for active aerodynamics, it’s mostly an attempt to deal with the problem on the straights [associated with downshifts]. If it’s something controlled, then I guess it will work the same for everyone.

I don’t know how effective the manual power boost [MOM — Manuel Override Mode] will be, as I haven’t seen how effectively it works yet. Maybe we should also add bananas [like in Mario Kart],» said Max Verstappen.

Alex Albon, Williams

Alex Albon is more concerned about the philosophy of the regulations. He wants Formula 1 to return to simple and clear solutions.

«I’d rather just have a bit more simple engines, a little bit more standardized parts within the engines, or whatever it may be,» he said. «And just return to a more basic regulation.»

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

«It’s a bold move, particularly regarding the power units,» Lewis Hamilton remarked during the first press conference following the presentation of the new regulations. «However, the weight of the cars will only be reduced by 30 kg. They will still be too heavy.

I’ve spoken to several drivers who have tested these new cars on the simulator – I haven’t done it myself – and they said these cars feel very slow. So, we’ll see whether this turns out to be a step in the right direction or not.

From an environmental perspective, especially regarding engine design, it’s indeed a bold step, and I think F1 is moving in the right direction here. We just need to make sure that the new cars are efficient enough, fast enough, and truly a step forward, making the races better.»

George Russell, Mercedes

«The new cars will be incredibly fast on the straights», noted George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), raising a less obvious safety concern. «We might reach speeds of up to 360 km/h on many tracks , which is quite impressive. However, this also means that we need to enhance safety measures. A crash at 360-370 km/h is a frightening prospect.

Historically, safety improvements often follow incidents, unfortunately. On the straights, the downforce levels will be so low that it will feel like you’re almost flying. Imagine a race where it starts raining, and you’re still on slicks, hitting 250 km/h on a street circuit. That’s a precarious situation, and we need to address these concerns.

Modern F1 cars are already extremely fast. Will we ever stop, or are we aiming for 400 km/h? Do fans truly want to see that?

Probably, the only ones who will notice the difference are us, the 20 F1 drivers. When you watch races on TV, you can’t tell if we’re taking corners at 200 or 250 km/h. Even I can’t always tell when I watch MotoGP; those bikes look incredibly fast, even though they take corners 100 km/h slower than F1 cars.

The news about the power units is exciting. I think the move towards eco-friendly fuel is a fantastic change for F1. We’re progressing towards electrification, and it’s clear that some compromises are necessary.

By 2026, I think the cars will look very different from what we see today. We’ll be much faster on the straights but slower through the corners, and overall lap times will increase.»

Author: Matsvei Atamanchyk