The five key takeaways from the FIA’s major 2026 regulations overhaul

In 2026, the new regulations will be enforced.

The FIA has unveiled their changes to the regulations for 2026 and there are many major alterations to F1 racing.

The first significant amendments to the regulations since 2022 will be witnessed in 2026. The sporting body has revealed some intense modifications that will transform F1. Here’s all the information you need.

The key takeaways from the FIA’s 2026 regulations announcement

Smaller and lighter cars are on their way

The FIA announced the first change that fans and drivers have been advocating for years. The 2026 cars will be 30kg lighter, 1cm thinner, and have a 2cm smaller wheelbase compared to the current specifications.

The FIA has characterized it as a “nimble car” concept, which should ideally lead to improved racing.

Regarding the weight, the FIA claims that it will enhance efficiency and handling.

DRS out, electric boost in as new overtaking measure

The announcement revealed a major change concerning DRS, which will no longer be utilized for overtaking.

The FIA has announced that DRS will be accessible to drivers for the entire race, not just when a driver is one second behind another. They will introduce a new system, the Manual Override Mode, which will provide drivers with additional electric power to assist in overtaking the car in front.

It’s still unclear how the FIA will use this, but initially, it seems quite similar to the push-to-pass method used in other series.

More efficient engines

The 2026 regulations are majorly focused on the engine, aiming to make them more efficient and less expensive to produce.

In 2021, the FIA began designing the regulations with Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, Ford/Red Bull, and Audi. The outcome is a power unit with nearly 300% more battery power than the current specification, according to the FIA.

The FIA states that there is an equal balance between internal combustion and electric power. Additionally, the cars will operate on completely sustainable fuel.

Active aerodynamics in front and rear wing

In earlier generations, only the rear wing was adjustable. However, now, both the rear and front can be modified during a race in zones similar to those currently used for DRS.

The FIA states that the active aero will facilitate closer racing, particularly in achieving extremely low drag on the straights. It will also assist in meeting the energy management needs of the new power units.

The FIA states that the 2026 cars will have the ability to switch between two configurations, either to reduce fuel consumption or to enhance cornering performance.

More safety improvements

Just like any other set of regulations, there has been an intensified emphasis on safety with the FIA collaborating with some teams to figure out how to enhance the protection of drivers through chassis improvements.

The FIA has updated the rules for front impact structure, incorporating a two-stage nose design to reduce the chance of detachment during initial impacts.

The rules regarding side intrusion have become more stringent, and the protection around the driver and fuel cell area has been enhanced.

What the leaders had to say

Mohamed Ben Sulayem, President of FIA, announced today that FIA is charting an exciting future for the apex of motorsport. This involves the introduction of a thorough new set of regulations for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship and subsequent years.

Two years after the release of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations, we’ve seized the opportunity to overhaul the chassis regulations to align with the energy requirements of the new power units. With the cooperation of our Formula 1 partners, the support of the sport’s 10 teams, and all our stakeholders, we’ve made a unique revision that will make our top championship even more applicable to global events.

The Power Unit Regulations have led to an unprecedented number of PU manufacturers committing to the sport. Alongside chassis regulations that allow for lighter, more agile cars with innovative aerodynamic solutions, we’ve developed a set of rules aimed at enhancing racing and making the championship more appealing to PU manufacturers, OEMs, and current competitors. The 2026 F1 Regulations are characterized by advanced technology, sustainability, and safety. In collaboration with Formula 1, our objective was to design a car suitable for the future of the sport’s elite division. We’re confident that we’ve accomplished this goal.

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, stated, “These rules represent a significant milestone in our sport’s future, as we anticipate a new era of car design and energy units that aim to deliver more competitive and thrilling races for our fans. The newly introduced hybrid power unit, powered by sustainable fuel, offers a tremendous opportunity for the worldwide automotive sector. The reduction in fuel use could potentially be adopted by cars globally, significantly reducing emissions. This potential is one of the main factors for the expected record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 by 2026.”

“As we step into this new regulatory cycle, the sport is at its all-time peak. I firmly believe that the regulations developed by the FIA will continue to reinforce the global standing of the sport.”

Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA Single Seater Technical Director, stated, “These new regulations by the FIA aim to foster a new breed of cars that resonate with the essence of Formula 1 – lightweight, incredibly fast, and agile vehicles that continue to spearhead technological advancements. We have strived to achieve this by developing what we term as a ‘nimble car’ concept. Our vision revolves around a revamped power unit that balances the power generated from the internal combustion component and electrical power more evenly.”

We have successfully decreased the car’s size and weight by 30kg on the chassis side, which results in a significantly more dynamic vehicle. Furthermore, we are incorporating two thrilling new features to elevate racing: active aerodynamics for achieving minimal drag on straight paths, and the Manual Override System, which allows drivers to access an instant surge of battery power when nearing the car in front of them.

The 2026 FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations have been redesigned to be lighter and more powerful, with a greater emphasis on driver skill, to encourage tighter racing and enhanced competition between teams, thereby improving the spectacle. Additionally, the regulations also include a higher electrical component for the power unit, a more efficient car design, and the use of fully sustainable fuels. These changes form part of our commitment to a more sustainable future for our sport.