The F1 begins this weekend its last season under the current car development regulation. From 2026, the category will undergo a transformation that will lead to the lighter, smaller and faster models – the opening GP will be in Australia, in the early hours of Saturday (15) to Sunday (16), 1h (from Brasilia).
In another much expected change, the new generation will no longer use the DRS (Drag Reduction System) system, introduced in 2011, the target of constant criticism for making overtaking very easy, and is an artificial running element.
DRS allows any pilot to a second of the front car to open the rear wing flap to reduce wind friction and facilitate overtaking.
With the adoption of active aerodynamics in the rear wing from 2026, which will work similarly to existing flaps, DRS will no longer be part of the regulation.
The next cycle manual also brings a simplification of the hybrid system and the increase of the importance of the electrical part. The idea is that the internal combustion engine and electric power have equal importance, with a division of almost 50% for each power unit.
This change was fundamental to attract the 11th team of the grid from 2026, General Motors, which leads to the tracks to its Cadillac brand.
The new rules also brought F1 the American rival of GM, Ford, and German Audi, as well as persuading Honda to remain involved after initially deciding to abandon the category.
Ford is starting a partnership with Red Bull, which is producing its own engine from 2026, while Audi bought the Sauber team and will rename it from next year. Honda is changing Red Bull to become Aston Martin’s factory partner next season.
Since the set of standards was announced in 2024, engineers in the category has been said that it was the largest revolution in the last 60 years.
The experienced British designer Adrian Newey, who has been designed F1 cars since 1992, has been ahead of Red Bull models between 2010 and 2023 and has now joined Aston Martin, avoided the term “bigger” but said he did not remember so many significant changes at once.
“I can’t remember another occasion in the F1 when both chassis regulations and engine regulations have changed simultaneously,” Newey said.
Historically, F1 has always been constantly changing. Even within a cycle of regulations, teams seek differentials to have advantages.
Some changes are less noticeable to the general public, such as aerodynamic details or electronic adjustments. Other advances already draw more attention, such as the position of the pilots and the characteristics of the steering wheels.
In the early years of the category, the steering wheel was simpler, just to control the direction, and the pilots adopted a more upright stance with their legs extended. There was no adjustment on the wheel, and the additional controls were separated, making it difficult to adapt during the races.
Over time, the way of guiding became more complex, incorporating buttons and switches to adjust car parameters, such as fuel mixture and traction control.
The pilot’s position has also changed, with a more reclined bank to improve aerodynamics and reduce the risk of injury in case of accidents. The new posture has yet provided more comfort and control for pilots.
In the 2000s, steering wheels gained digital displays, with real -time information such as performance and strategies. The position of the pilots has been adjusted to optimize the center of gravity.
With adjustable steering wheels and advanced technologies, pilots have full control over the car, reflecting the continuous evolution of F1.
Opening of the Season – GP of Australia
Thursday (13)
10:30 pm Free Training 1 (Bandsports, Band.com.br and Bandpla)
Friday (14)
10:30 pm Free Training 2 (bandsports, band.com.br and bandplay)
2h Free Training 3 (bandsports, band.com.br and bandplay)
Saturday (15)
2h classification (band, bandsports, band.com.br and bandplay)
Domingo (16)
1h Corrida (Band, Bandsports, Band.com.Br E Bandplay)
*Schedules from Brasilia
