What F1 will look like on the track in 2026 (simulation)
The new regulations introduced by the FIA for 2026 will change the structure of Formula 1 cars on the track. Thanks to the Assetto Corsa video game, a racing simulator, it's possible to visualize what the new single-seaters will look like on the racetrack.
Presented recently, the new regulations for the Formula 1 single-seaters have already sparked the interest of fans. On the agenda are smaller and more agile cars that will make their debut in 2026.
Some enthusiasts have decided to offer a special experience by creating quite faithfully the cars of tomorrow. For this, they used the Assetto Corsa software, a video game of car racing simulation.
A car on the track
The video game Assetto Corsa, beyond being just a simulator, is especially known for its precision and realism in terms of physics and faithful reproduction of cars and race tracks. Many fans offer mods, modifications created by community members and downloadable to be added to the game.
More recently, the F1 2026 mod has allowed us to visualize for the first time what the new F1 cars should look like on the track. However, it is important to remember the speculative aspect of the proposed model since the aerodynamic and technical data are not yet fully available.
Visible physical changes
The new regulations proposed by the FIA for Formula 1 in 2026 are mostly internal, making them invisible from the outside of the vehicle. However, some changes are observable on the vehicle.
For example, the new single-seater will be reduced in length, width, and height. According to Nikolas Tombazis, director of the FIA, the car should lose about 40 centimeters in length, and 10 centimeters in width in addition to the weight which decreases by 40kg. Smaller cars that will help facilitate overtaking especially on city circuits which are often very tight. A size reduction that will also affect the tires. The FIA, which had considered 16-inch wheels instead of the current 18-inch ones, finally reversed its decision after testing conducted under the new configuration. Instead, the wheels will be narrower with front tires reduced by 25 mm and rear tires reduced by 30 mm.
Complete video of the simulation
Thank you to Goji Hot Laps for the video and simulation on Assetto Corsa that allowed us to make this article. Let’s remember that the simulation is unofficial and still in development, which can result in a visual slightly inaccurate to reality.
