The rumors and speculations have been running rampant for years. The FIA (The sanctioning body for Formula One) has unveiled a rendering of the car and the rules for 2026. These changes are greater than the regulation changes we saw in 2022, with many noticeable changes with massive earth-shattering changes to Formula One that will change the way drivers will have to race, drive, and pass on any other. Everything we have known in the last decade about Formula One will change, but is it for the better?
The Size Difference
The current Formula One cars are the biggest we have ever seen. The current car is 3600 centimeters (18 feet) long and 2000 centimeters (6.5 feet) wide. Way too big for Monaco. The car in 2026 is getting slightly smaller at 3400 centimeters long and 1900 centimeters wide. A small change yes, but a move in the right direction nonetheless.
The size of the wheels will remain at 18 inches however, the front tires will be 25 millimeters thinner and the rear tires will be 30 millimeters thinner and have less grip loss. Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola told Autosport in March earlier this year:
We have to change because the new car is different. And in any case, we have to design a smaller tire, I believe that there are valid reasons to stay on 18-inch, with smaller tyres but still the same rim. That’s what we are discussing: a bit smaller diameter, a slightly lower profile, and slightly narrower tire, There are many elements that if we wanted to design a tire that is in line with drivers’ expectations. For performance, the 18-inch tire is better than the 16.
It is a delicate balance to get the tires to wear but not so quickly and suddenly. Pirelli has done a great job of finding that balance since becoming the exclusive manufacturer in 2011.
The weight of the car decreases as well, the car will be 66 pounds lighter. The downforce of the car is also reduced by 30% and the drag by 55%. The main goal of the chassis is to make the cars lighter and more nimble to produce more competitive side-by-side racing.
The Engine Changes
The changes to the engine had been the headliner for Formula One. In 2026 we will have a record number of engine suppliers. The engine suppliers are already in the sport Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, and Redbull Powertrain. Coming into the sport in 2026 will be Audi, Ford (replacing Redbull powertrains), and Honda making their return to F1 after leaving Redbull after the 2021 season. There may be a possibility of General Motors with Cadillac as well if Andretti Global is allowed in F1.
The engine has been built for sustainability and has a lesser carbon footprint (ignore the fact F1 goes across the world four times in planes and jets). The power of the ICU (internal combustion engine) is decreased by 550 kilowatts (kw) of power to 400 kw while the power from the battery is increased from 120 kw to 350 kw of power.
The overtake battery is used to give the driver a little more power when attempting to overtake, defend, or run down a car in front, that ability to use it more often will come in 2026 as now with braking and harvesting the energy is doubled allowing drivers to use overtake twice as much.
Formula One Eliminates DRS
The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been a part of Formula One since 2011. It appears in this new era of Formula One DRS will be a thing of the past. The new version of the DRS is a glorified overtaker (being called override in the FIA handbook). The battery gives drivers an extra boost when drivers are within a second.
The rear wing will open as if it were the DRS still in but will be open in the straights and close in the turns along with the front wing. For the first time, the front wing will open and close depending on if the car is turning or on the straights.
With the wings open for higher speed and lower in the straights this will now be known as X-mode. With the wings closed for better handling and faster corners that will be known as Z-mode. The front wings are also narrower than the current car stretching to the inside part of the car and the diffuser underneath the car won’t be as powerful as the current car.
Improved Safety Features
As usual, safety is at the forefront of the minds of the engineers and designers. The improved safety measures of the car. In the front of the car, there is a two-stage structure to protect the drivers from a potential second impact. The car also has more protection on the sides and around the fuel cell in case of the driver getting t-boned.
The lights on the rear wing will be brighter and more visible in hazardous conditions. A lateral safety light will also be used to show how much power is in the battery for cars that are stopped on track. The GPS antenna is also repositioned to improve sensitivity and allow for further developments for safety.
How The Racing Will Look
The speeds will be much higher than in years past. With the active aerodynamic system, we will see cars faster down the straights and quicker in the turns. With the potentially lower profile tire, we may see a return of porpoising (bottoming out) when braking. I would expect many of the fastest lap records not only be beaten, but crushed.
The goal for Formula One and the FIA is to create more competition among the teams. The sad fact is one team will nail the setting just like Mercedes did in 2014 and Red Bull in 20222. The competition will bring teams closer but there is always one who finds something and thanks to the budget cap to get a bad car going in the right direction.
About The Author
Dillon Hildreth is a writer for Total Apex and a lifelong fan of Football with his favorite teams being the New England Patriots and the Georgia Bulldogs. Dillon is also a fan of Motorsports Red Bull in Formula One and William Byron in NASCAR. You can catch Dillon Stream F1, NASCAR, and other video games and side casts on Twitch.
