The FIA has revealed the highly anticipated new technical guidelines that will bring a significant transformation to Formula 1 starting from the 2026 season. After extensive discussions involving current teams, the FIA has released a comprehensive document describing the specifications of the cars that will shape the future of F1.
In an effort to address concerns about turbulence and improve overtaking opportunities, the series had previously adopted ground effect aerodynamics for the 2022 season. However, the unintended consequence of “porpoising” led to adjustments to the floor edges, resulting in drivers expressing concerns about the impact of dirty air.
The future technical regulations will see a shift from ground effect floors to a return to flat floors, reducing the reliance on extremely stiff and low car setups. To counter a recent trend, the minimum weight limit will be reduced by 30 kg to enhance the efficiency and drivability of the cars.
Furthermore, the cars will undergo a reduction in size and width, with the width being reduced from 2000mm to 1900mm and a maximum reduction in floor width of 150mm. The dimensions of the wheelbase will also be shortened from a maximum of 3600mm to 3400mm, while the 18-inch wheels introduced in 2022 will remain unchanged.
To achieve a decrease in aerodynamic downforce and drag, the width of the front tires will be reduced by 25mm and the rear tires by 30mm, resulting in an overall 30% reduction in aerodynamic downforce and a 55% decrease in drag. The front wings will be 100mm narrower and will feature a two-element active flap, while the rear wings will return to having three elements. Additionally, the lower rear wing will be eliminated and simplified endplates will be used on the rear wings compared to current regulations.
As anticipated, next-generation cars will use active aero, incorporating movable front and rear wings to allow for higher cornering speeds and reduced drag on the straights. The wheel arches present in current cars will be removed, and flow control plates will be required to manage the turbulence generated by the wheels.
Meanwhile, tabloid format will report that the MGU-H component will be eliminated as planned, sparking Ford’s interest in partnering with Red Bull and Audi’s first joint venture.
In addition, sustainable fuels that are 100% environmentally friendly will be used, and the power distribution between the 1.6-liter turbo V6 internal combustion engine and the electric component will be evenly split at 50/50.
Although the power generated by the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) will decrease to 400kw, there will be an increase in battery output from 120kw to 350kw.
Drivers will receive 8.5 MJ of recoverable energy per lap from braking, and a Manual Overtake mode has been developed to increase overtaking opportunities.
The next step is the approval of future technical regulations, which will take place during the upcoming scheduled meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on June 28th.
However, as announced earlier in December, teams will not be able to start working on their cars for the new 2026 generation until January of next year.
© 2024
Exciting events are on the horizon in the world of sports, with many surprises and twists awaiting fans. Get ready to marvel at everything that is to come!
In soccer, teams are gearing up for an adrenaline-filled season. Great players are ready to showcase their skills and lead their teams to victory. Stay tuned for the electrifying games ahead!
In basketball, the stars are ready to shine on the courts. With exciting games and incredible plays, fans won’t want to miss a single moment of this season. Get ready to be amazed by the skill and talent of these incredible athletes!
In tennis, the best players in the world are gearing up to compete in exciting tournaments. With intense rivalries and breathtaking matches, tennis fans will have plenty to celebrate this season. Don’t miss any detail of this fierce competition!
And let’s not forget about extreme sports! If you’re a fan of adrenaline and excitement, get ready to be amazed by the incredible stunts and maneuvers of the athletes. From water sports to aerial sports, there will be plenty of action and adventure for all tastes.
In summary, get ready for a season full of excitement and surprises in the world of sports. Don’t miss a moment of this incredible journey! Stay tuned for more news and updates about your favorite sports. It’s time to have fun and cheer for your favorite teams and athletes!