By The Tens Magazine Editorial Staff | Photography by Sir Daniel David
1. Smaller and Lighter
After years of cars getting bigger and heavier, F1 is finally going on a diet. The 2026 cars will be 30kg lighter (dropping to a minimum weight of 768kg). They are also shrinking in size: the wheelbase is being shortened by 200mm, and the width is being reduced by 100mm.
2. Active Aerodynamics (Goodbye, DRS)
The traditional Drag Reduction System (DRS) is being retired. In its place comes a sophisticated Active Aero system. Both the front and rear wings will have movable flaps that switch between two modes:
- Z-Mode (Cornering): High downforce for maximum grip in turns.
- X-Mode (Straight-Line): Low drag for maximum speed on the straights.
3. The “Overtake Mode”
Since every driver can use Active Aero on the straights, F1 needed a new way to help cars pass. Enter Overtake Mode. When a driver is within one second of the car ahead, they get a massive surge of extra electrical power (up to 350kW) to help pull off a move, while the lead car’s power deployment will “taper off” at high speeds.
4. 50/50 Power Split
The engine formula is getting a massive shake-up. The current cars rely heavily on the internal combustion engine (ICE). The 2026 cars will feature a nearly 50/50 split between the 1.6L V6 engine and electrical power. This means the battery will now contribute roughly 350kW—a nearly 300% increase over the current 120kW.
5. 100% Sustainable Fuel
For the first time ever, F1 will run on 100% carbon-neutral, sustainable fuels. These “drop-in” fuels are designed so they could eventually be used in standard road cars, keeping the internal combustion engine relevant in a net-zero world.
6. Slimmer Tyres
While the 18-inch wheels are staying, the rubber is getting a trim. The front tyres will be 25mm narrower and the rears 30mm narrower. This reduces weight and drag, though Pirelli is working hard to ensure there is no significant loss in mechanical grip.
7. Removal of the MGU-H
The MGU-H (which recovers energy from exhaust heat) was often criticized for being too complex and expensive for road car relevance. It’s being completely removed for 2026, simplifying the power units and making it easier for new manufacturers to enter the sport.
8. Arrival of New Manufacturers
The 2026 rules have successfully lured some of the world’s biggest car brands back to the grid. We will see the arrival of Audi (taking over Sauber) and the return of Ford (partnering with Red Bull Powertrains). Honda also officially returns as a full works partner with Aston Martin.
9. An 11th Team: Cadillac
The grid is finally expanding! Cadillac has been confirmed as the 11th team for 2026. This brings the total number of cars on the grid to 22, adding more seats for talent and more competition for the established teams.
10. Enhanced Safety
Safety standards are being pushed even further. The cars will feature a two-stage nose design to prevent the front wing from detaching in impacts, and the side-impact protection has been significantly strengthened. Even the roll hoops will now be required to withstand higher loads (up to 20G).
