The FIA will reveal the regulations for F1 2026 for the first time this Thursday, June 6 at 3:30 p.m., from the paddock of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
This regulation is expected to bring a significant change to the sport, with both powertrain and chassis regulations expected to change at the same time.
Concerning the engines (read below), almost everything is already known, with modifications having recently taken place on the deployment of power on fast circuits (read here).
As for the cars themselves, it’s more of an unknown factor but the chassis is expected to be slightly shorter and narrower (by 10cm) and potentially have a lower minimum weight than the he current iteration on the grid, which has become larger and longer over time due to the combination of area required to house the powertrains, as well as the increased space required for additional safety measures.
Aerodynamics should be active, front and rear, with wings that adjust to minimize drag or maximize downforce as needed.
The tires would remain 18 inches but will also be a little narrower to help reduce the size and weight of F1 cars.
As a result, it’s almost certain that the cars will look quite different in the 2026 season – and the planned reveal from the FIA will offer a first glimpse (static model? 3D plans?) of what the regulations allow – and, above all, do not allow – to the teams.
The changes to the discipline’s regulations have in any case been discussed at length, almost longer than the changes to the Formula 1 powertrains, with a very significant change since the transition to the V6 turbo hybrid era in 2014.
There will be more emphasis on electric power, with a more balanced split between internal combustion and electric power, as the MGU-K will see its power tripled. At the same time, the powertrains will run on sustainable fuel for the first time.
This drive to make engines more durable has been seen as a key catalyst in attracting new manufacturers like Audi to the sport, as well as Honda’s partnership with Aston Martin to produce a new factory powertrain.
From 2026, Red Bull will manufacture its own powertrains for the first time under Red Bull Powertrains, with American automotive giant Ford partnering in this venture.
