The 2026 Formula 1 season begins one of the most transformative cycles in the category’s recent history. The new regulation promotes structural changes that profoundly alter the concept of cars and the way teams develop projects.
The central objective of this is to make single-seaters more efficient and balanced, reducing extreme technical differences between teams, making disputes closer throughout the races.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the redesign is also a point of F1’s concern to remain relevant amid the environmental, technological and commercial challenges of modern motor sport.
The entity itself classified the process as a “revolution”, highlighting that it is the most profound transformation in many decades.
See below some changes that will be applied from 2026 onwards.
MORE: Is Mercedes the favorite in Formula 1 2026? See car details for the new season
Lighter and faster cars
One of the main changes is in the size and weight of the cars. From 2026, single-seaters will be smaller, with a reduction of 200 mm in the distance between the axles, 100 mm in total width and 150 mm in the floor width.
The minimum weight will also undergo a significant cut, dropping from 800 kg to 770 kg. The idea is to give the cars more agile and responsive behavior on the tracks.
Fim do DRS
Another notable change is the extinction of the DRS, used since 2011. From now on, fully movable front and rear wings will allow switching between high and low aerodynamic load configurations.
Additionally, ground effect tunnels will be eliminated, which will reduce overall downforce by between 15% and 30%.
On the other hand, aerodynamic drag will drop by around 40%. This combination should allow for higher speeds on straights, while at the same time making it difficult to generate excessive aerodynamic pressure, balancing performance between cars.
“Overtaking mode”
With the end of DRS, the FIA introduces the so-called “overtaking mode”. When a driver is less than a second behind the car in front, they can use extra power to attempt the maneuver.
This feature will allow speeds of up to 337 km/h and, unlike DRS, it will not be restricted to specific areas of the track. The use can be strategic, concentrated in a single point or distributed throughout the lap.
The expectation is to make overtaking less automatic and more tactical, requiring precise decisions from drivers about the ideal moment to attack.
Different tires
The 18-inch wheels will be maintained, but the tires will become narrower from 2026. At the front, the reduction will be 25 mm, while at the rear it will reach 30 mm.
This change contributes to reducing aerodynamic drag and unsprung weight, directly impacting the dynamic behavior of the cars.
With narrower tires, the objective is to improve the overall efficiency of the cars, in addition to favoring more balanced disputes and greater technical demands.
Sustainability applied in Formula 1
The new generation of power units will be one of the pillars of the 2026 regulation. The engines will give greater prominence to the electrical part, reducing dependence on the internal combustion engine.
Furthermore, F1 will adopt 100% sustainable fuels, aligning with global targets for reducing emissions and environmental impact. The category aims to serve as a technological laboratory for solutions applicable to the automotive industry.
MORE: Does Audi F1 have a chance to win the race with Bortoleto and the title? Car level analysis
