FIA publishes fresh renderings of the ‘refined version’ of the brand-new F1 2026 car concept

Ahead of the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony, the governing body has revealed new images showing how Formula 1 cars could look in 2026, following changes to its planned overhaul of the regulations.

Ahead of this year’s Canadian Grand Prix, the FIA and Formula One released the technical regulations that will define the sport from 2026 onwards.

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than the current generation, the wheelbase reduced from a maximum of 3600mm to 3400mm while the width of the car is down from 2000mm to 1900mm.

The weight has also been slashed by 30kg with downforce down by 30 per cent and drag by 55 per cent.

Power units will also go through a significant overhaul as the much-debated MGU-H will be ditched and the ratio between the internal combustion engine and the electrical energy will be even. The maximum deployment of electrical energy via the MGU-K (motor generator unit – kinetic) will go from 120 kilowatts (160 hp) under the current regs to a whopping 350 kw (475 hp) — the same power output as the motor in a Formula E car.

The complete overhaul of the power unit has prompted the sport to introduce active aerodynamics to suit the energy management requirements of new power units. The new cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel.

The FIA’s latest renderings were published after the final meeting of the World Motor Sport Council that took place in Kigali in Rwanda, ahead of the FIA’s Prize-Giving Gala next week.