FIA reveals new images showing changes to plan for 2026 F1 cars · RaceFans

The FIA has revealed new images showing how Formula 1 cars could look in 2026, following changes to its planned overhaul of the regulations.

With teams able to start work on the 2026 chassis from the first day of next month, the FIA is finalising the details of its first change to both the power unit and chassis regulations since 2014.

F1 teams raised several concerns over the original draft of the chassis regulations. Following further consultations with the FIA, changes have been agreed to the rules which permit teams a greater degree of aerodynamic freedom.

Some of the consequences of these changes can be seen in the images issued by the FIA today. Compared to the original renderings presented in June, the latest iteration features more detail on the aerodynamically sensitive front wing endplates, though the main planes appear largely unchanged.

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While the new cars’ floors are designed to be less powerful than the current versions, which teams have found prone to ‘porpoising’ and ‘bouncing’, the new 2026 F1 car image shows a more aggressive design for the intakes at the front of the floor.

The most significant change appears at the rear wing. Compared to the angular version seen in the original design, the latest version is more similar to that on the current cars. Unlike in the original 2026 design, no DRS actuator is shown, though the new regulations are intended to permit adjustable aerodynamic elements at the front and rear of the car.

While DRS is currently allowed as an overtaking aid only, from 2026 drivers will be allowed to use their adjustable aerodynamics to increase straight-line performance at all times. A new high-performance engine mode called ‘Manual Override’ will be introduced to ensure drivers still receive proximity-based overtaking assistance.

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The FIA’s latest rendering of a possible 2026 car shows a flatter wheel fairing design than that seen on the previous version, which was largely the same as those on current cars.

The most significant changes coming for 2026 are not affected by the latest rules. These include new power units which no longer feature an MGU-H but have a much more powerful MGU-K, meaning electrical power will account for around half the total output. The new cars will also be slightly narrower than the current machines, with smaller wheels and a lower minimum weight limit.

F1 teams welcomed the FIA’s move to loosen areas of the 2026 regulations. “I think in terms of cornering speed, now in simulations it looks much more convincing that it may still be offering good racing, may still be offering Formula 1 as the pinnacle of motorsport,” said McLaren team principal Andrea Stella at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

“So from this point of view, downforce levels seem to be in a much better place. I think there’s still a few weeks of work. And hopefully this will lead us to the target that will guarantee good racing and good overall speed like we all want to see for a Formula 1 car.”