What's New in Formula 1 for 2026?

Formula 1 car development never stands still as we and our competitors strive to be the best. 2026 will see that drive to improve reach a new level, thanks to the regulations coming into force.

Engine changes, active aerodynamics, smaller chassis sizes, an all-new circuit, and rules that will change how our drivers race... F1 2026 promises far more than incremental changes.

Get prepared for 2026's new-look Formula 1 with this guide to help you navigate F1's next chapter.

The Drag Reduction System Formula 1 introduced in 2011 will not appear in 2026. However, two new rules will sound quite similar for existing fans, with each having some foundation from DRS.

Firstly, drivers within a second of the car in front can still enjoy a boost to aid overtaking. The difference for 2026 is that the additional speed will come from the Manual Override system, which allows a chasing car to have more battery power.

What's key from today's rules is that this additional power will be available at any time the driver is within one second, and not just in pre-defined zones. While the leading car's electrical energy deployment will gradually reduce after 290km/h, the car behind can enjoy 350kW of power up to 337km/h.

Secondly, active aerodynamics (moveable bodywork to adjust the airflow over or under the car) will remain in 2026. DRS is considered 'active aero' because of an adjustable flap on the rear wing that opens or closes.

F1 will see even more of these movable flaps in 2026, but they won't be restricted to just the rear wing. A low-downforce X-mode and high-downforce Z-mode will instead appear on both the front and rear wings to change the way we race.

Arguably the most striking change to any F1 regulation set is how the cars will look. With aerodynamics playing such a prominent part in modern Formula 1, any adjustments to the wings and bodywork are instantly noticeable.

Starting with the wings, 2026 will feature simpler aerodynamics. The front wing will narrow by 100mm and boast three elements, while the rear wings, also with three elements, will no longer feature the lower beam wing.

While the wings won't look entirely different to the untrained eye, the simpler designs are part of DRS's successor. Both the front and rear wings will now open and close to reduce drag (X-mode) or add aerodynamic grip (Z-mode). Two of the flaps on the front wing will be adjustable, while all three rear wing elements will open or close.

The driver will control when they will switch between states to take advantage of X-mode's higher speeds or Z-mode's aerodynamic grip. And unlike the DRS rules fans are familiar with, drivers do not have to be close to a car in front to switch modes.

Safety dictates that X-mode will not be accessible through corners, but the FIA suggests the feature will be possible whenever the cars are driving straight for over three seconds.

Smaller cars are the overarching theme for 2026, and the regulations around sizing showcase this with reductions in the maximum dimensions of elements throughout the rulebook.

The maximum wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear wheels, reduces from 3600mm to 3400mm, and the maximum car width shrinks by 100mm to 1900mm. This, combined with other maximum dimensions, will see a mass reduction of 30kg.

The floor is also getting smaller. A reduction of the maximum width by 150mm comes alongside rules reducing its ability for ground effect grip by lowering the diffuser's performance and making part of the floor flat.

Even the tyres can't escape the shrinkage, with 25mm narrower front tyres and Pirelli producing rears that are 30mm narrower too. Don't worry if you appreciate the current 18-inch wheels, though, as they remain the same for 2026.

Already having the world's most efficient turbo-hybrid engine isn't enough for Formula 1, as 2026 will see a far more powerful battery working alongside the internal combustion engine (ICE).

Kinetic energy generation from braking is set to double, coinciding with the MGU-K's power (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic) almost tripling to 350kW from 120kW. This coincides with the ICE's output reduction from 560kW to 400kW, seeing the power unit's energy generation split nearly 50-50 between each.

Moving to 100% sustainable fuel, alongside eliminating the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit - Heat), has also attracted more engine manufacturers to the sport. Our supplier, Mercedes, will continue their presence alongside Ferrari, and we'll also have the Audi, Ford, and Honda names joining the sport.

Williams will also have a new rival to contend with in 2026. Cadillac will be F1's 11th team as the grid expands to 22 drivers. It's the first time since the 2016 season that we've had over 10 constructors racing against each other, and the new entry should increase the competitiveness of F1's already tight field.

2026 will feature two trips to Spain, much to the delight of our No. 55 Carlos Sainz. The Spanish GP will find a new home in Carlos' home city of Madrid at the all-new Madring.

Its 5.474 km track will race around the Barajas district to bring F1 back to the city for the first time since 1981 as Madrid replaces Imola on the calendar.

That doesn't mean we won't visit Barcelona, though. The maiden Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will see our early summer trip to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya continue, with Madring's debut in September to round out the European season.

We'll also have a further helping of Spain, too, with a January test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to start pre-season testing early as we adapt to the new cars.

Two February tests in Bahrain will follow before we make the long-haul flight to Melbourne to start the season with the Australian GP on March 8th.