The 2026 F1 regulation will be an ode to the show

The 2026 regulations are eagerly awaited to put an end to the problems with Formula 1 racing. The 2026 Formula 1 championship will therefore have to implement a new technical regulation (aero), as well as a new engine regulation.

The President of the FIA, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, explained his regulation changes: « Following the publication of a new engine regulation two years ago, we took the opportunity to work on a new chassis regulation to meet the energy needs of these new power units. »

We collaborate with Formula 1 and the 10 teams as well as all stakeholders. This represents a unique review that will ensure our championship remains even more relevant in comparison to what is happening in the world.

In 2026, 3 new engine manufacturers will come to Formula 1: Honda, Ford, and Audi. These massive arrivals would be the result of the appeal of this new engine regulation, which would better meet the needs of consumers in terms of everyday cars and therefore would be more interesting for brands to invest in Formula 1.

Thus, in 2026, with 10 teams, there will be 6 engine manufacturers, a record in the F1 championship. These regulations have already allowed a record number of PU manufacturers to commit to F1. And now, in parallel with chassis regulations providing for lighter and more agile cars with innovative aerodynamic solutions, we have created a set of regulations designed not only to improve racing, but also to make the championship even more attractive for existing engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and constructors.

In 2026, the F1 will have a slightly different look compared to today, but it is mainly on the technical side that things become interesting. Indeed, the FIA has introduced the concept of active aerodynamics, which will allow the single-seaters to have more or less downforce and aerodynamic load depending on their position on the track. Thus, on straight lines, the front and rear wings will flatten to allow the car to move with less drag, while in corners, the downforce will be maximized to ensure good grip.

In addition to active aerodynamics, the engines will be technically very different. Currently composed of two engines recovering thermal and kinetic energy, thus accumulating power in batteries, the 2026 F1 cars will have one less electric engine. The power unit system will therefore be simplified to be closer to the concept of production cars. So there will be a thermal engine as currently, V6, but with a little less power, as well as an electric engine, which will generate much more power than currently. The ratio should be around 50% of energy produced by each of the thermal and electric engines.

“Our goal with F1 was to produce a car adapted to the future of the elite category of sport. We believe we have achieved this goal,” concludes Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Present at the press conference, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 (owned by Liberty Media), expressed his desire to also introduce more spectacle: These regulations mark an important moment in the future of our sport as we look forward to a new generation of cars […] aimed at offering our fans closer and more exciting races. The new sustainable hybrid power unit represents a huge opportunity for the global automotive industry. The decrease in fuel has the potential to be used by cars worldwide and significantly reduce emissions. Its potential is one of the main reasons why we will have a record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 by 2026. It should be noted that the thermal V6 engine will indeed use biofuel, derived from natural and renewable resources. Of course, it will still pollute, but its production will have to offset its impact on the climate.

The technical director of single-seaters at the FIA, Nikoas Tombazis, was also present. He mentioned the concept of an agile car in the sense of being adaptable and intelligent.

(e) With this set of regulations, the FIA has sought to develop a new generation of cars that will be close to the DNA of Formula 1 – cars that will be light, extremely fast and agile, but that also remain at the forefront of technology. To achieve this, we have been working towards what we call an “agile car” concept.

At the heart of this vision is a redesigned powertrain that features a more equal distribution of power derived from the internal combustion element and the electric power.

From the chassis side, we have managed to reduce the size and weight of the car by 30 kg, resulting in a much more dynamic car. In addition, we are introducing two new interesting features to improve the race: active aerodynamics to achieve very low drag in a straight line and the manual control system that will provide drivers with a battery charge on demand when they are close enough to the car in front of them.

A boost mode will be usable by the driver behind to improve overtaking possibilities. This mode has not yet been detailed on its use, but the principle will be not to limit the use of the electric motor beyond a certain speed. Thus, in “override” mode, drivers will be able to benefit from the assistance of their electric motor up to 355 km/h with more power than the driver in front, who will see the energy of the electric motor reduced from 290 km/h onwards and increasingly until it is zero at 337 km/h.

Nikolas Tombazis also recalls the main objective: Improve the show for the benefit of fans and spectators at the circuits.

« Lighter, more powerful, and more focused on the driver’s skills, the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations for 2026 have been designed to allow closer races between drivers, increase competition between teams, and improve the spectacle. Additionally, we have opted for a higher electrical component of the power unit, an overall more efficient car, and fully sustainable fuels, as part of our commitment to a more sustainable future for our sport.