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The FIA have announced some big upcoming changes in Formula 1 after the 2026 technical regulations were revealed.
The FIA teased the potential model of the 2026 car before the regulations were revealed. Credit: RBR_Daily via X/TwitterThe FIA have been teasing over the past 24 hours that 2026 regulations would be revealed today. At 2:30pm GMT, major changes were announced that will come into play from 2026 onwards.
Some of the huge changes include slightly smaller and 30kg lighter cars compared to the current generation. This is to help improve efficiency and handling. The FIA have described the 2026 models as a “nimble car” concept which will aim to improve race-ability and closer racing on track.
In addition, power units will be redesigned for 2026, with engines expected to have 300% more battery power than the current ones. Also, there will no longer be any DRS under the new regulations. Instead, there will be a new Manual Overide Mode which will allow for more overtaking opportunities and grant drivers more electrical power deployment for following the car ahead.
One of the biggest changes is that the 2026 cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel. This is a massive step forward in making the sport more green, as Formula 1 is expected to go net carbon by 2030.
Moreover, there will be a record number of power unit manufacturers on the grid. This includes; Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine, Honda, Audi, and Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Safety will also be improved for 2026 onwards through stronger structures to the cars and tougher tests.
Words from the FIA President
Speaking to fia.com, FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem has spoken about these instrumental changes in 2026 as he hopes that these cars will demonstrate the future of the sport’s elite category.
“Today, the FIA is defining a hugely exciting future for the pinnacle of motorsport with the launch of a comprehensive new set of regulations for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship and beyond.
“Following the publication of 2026 Power Unit Regulations two years ago we have taken the opportunity to redefine the chassis regulations to match the energy requirement of the new power units.”
“Collaborating with our partners at Formula 1 and with the assistance of the sport’s 10 teams and all our stakeholders this represents a unique revision that will ensure our premier championship is even more relevant to what is happening in the world.”
“The Power Unit Regulations have already resulted in a record number of PU manufacturers committing to the sport. And now, in tandem with chassis regulations that provide for lighter, more agile cars featuring innovative aerodynamic solutions, we have created a set of regulations designed to not only improve racing but also to make the championship even more attractive to PU manufacturers, OEMs and existing competitors.”
“The key features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced, sustainability technology and safety. Our aim, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal.”
Words from the Formula 1 CEO
Adding to Sulayem’s comments, F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali has also double downed on the FIA President’s words, stating that these regulations mark a significant moment in the future of the sport and hopes that the cars will provide more entertainment and better racing.
“These regulations mark a significant moment in the future of our sport as we look forward to a new generation of car and power unit that aims to give our fans closer and exciting racing.”
“The new sustainably fuelled hybrid power unit presents a huge opportunity for the global automotive industry, the drop in fuel has the potential to be used by cars around the world and dramatically cut emissions. Its potential is one of the key reasons why we will have a record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 in 2026.”
“We enter this new regulatory cycle with the sport in the strongest position it has ever been, and I am confident that the work done by the FIA to create these regulations will further strengthen the position of the sport around the world.”
Feature Image Credit: fia.com
