In a move set to reshape the world of Formula 1, the sport’s governing body has announced a plan to significantly slim down the cars for the 2026 season. This decision comes in response to widespread criticism about the current generation’s hefty weight, which could have ballooned further with the increased electrical power of the engines.
Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, recently raised concerns about the upcoming engine regulations. He cautioned that without adjustments, drivers might need to conserve electrical power mid-straight. However, the FIA’s single-seater chief, Nikolas Tombazis, has called such criticisms “premature,” stating firmly, “The power unit has been defined for a year and the rules are stable – the manufacturers are already working.”
Tombazis outlined the FIA’s vision for the 2026 cars: a blend of sleek and efficient design. “It will be a shorter car,” he explained, “And narrower. And lighter. To achieve this, we’re reducing downforce considerably and cutting drag significantly.” These changes, he believes, will lighten the load on the suspension, allowing for smaller, 16-inch rims with less bulky tires.
“We are committed to a significant weight reduction,” Tombazis asserted, acknowledging the challenges teams will face. Yet, he insists this is more of an “evolution” than a “revolution,” despite the cars being “visibly different.”
Interestingly, the F1 cars’ lap times, a non-priority for the FIA, are predicted to be close to current speeds, with Tombazis unfazed by the possibility of them being slower. “Even if they were five seconds slower, we wouldn’t be too worried,” he said.
The future of the ‘DRS’ system also hangs in the balance, with the FIA considering alternative ways to facilitate overtaking, possibly through moveable aerodynamics or within the energy-recovery systems. “There are several options on the table,” Tombazis admitted. “But we don’t want cars that pass without difficulty on the straights.”
