The upcoming changes are a significant moment for the sport.

In Montreal ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, the FIA revealed its new regulations for Formula 1 in 2026 that the sport’s governing body says will “define the sport” and hopefully lead to “closer racing”.

The ‘Nimble car’ concept will see cars in 2026 become 30kg lighter and 10cm narrower than the current generation. There is now an even split between electric and internal combustion power with the ICE element dropping by nearly a third and a 300% increase in electric power. Sustainability is a prominent focus and for the first time ever, the cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel which is in line with the FIA’s objective of reaching Net Zero carbon by 2030.

DRS will be a thing of the past as well, being replaced by a new Manual Override Mode that grants more electric power deployment for increased overtaking opportunities. Safety is also at the forefront of the new regulations with stronger structures and even tougher tests required by each competing team.

An all-new Active Aerodynamics system, involving movable front and rear wings, will see greater cornering speeds and a low drag configuration designed to maximise straight-line speed. A three-element active rear wing will be adopted, while the lower beam wing has been removed and end plates have been simplified.The front wing will be 100mm narrower than current cars and will feature a two-element active flap.

Current manufacturers Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine have already committed to F1 from 2026 while Honda will also return. Newcomers Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains will join the party and the FIA says the new regulations have been “designed to attract new manufacturers to the sport”, so more may follow.

The 2026 regulations are now set to be officially ratified by the World Motor Sport Council on June 28th.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: FIA