01 2026 F1 CAR REVEAL PROMPTS NEW QUESTIONS
The FIA has released the first images of the new generation of F1 cars and backed it up with much more detail than before about how these cars will run. But while some areas have become clearer, many questions remain unanswered – and have been joined by some fresh ones as a consequence of the FIA’s reveal.
The technical regulations have yet to be published and ratified, so what the FIA has shared with the world is more draft than definitive. But some fundamentals won’t change.
It’s been known for some time that the FIA is pushing for smaller and lighter cars, and now the dimensions have been confirmed: the wheelbase will be reduced by 200mm, the width by 100mm, and the maximum floor width by 150mm. The 18-inch wheel size will be retained, but the wheels will be slightly narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.
But it’s not the size of the 2026 cars that has become a centrepiece of discussion – rather, it’s the weight. There’s no denying F1 would benefit from a diet since car weight has increased dramatically over the past 15 years. However, the stated reduction of 30kg seems ambitious – especially considering the new powertrains, which will rely on a greater proportion of hybrid power, will almost certainly be heavier.
“I don’t think anyone will hit that weight target particularly,” warned Williams boss James Vowles, whose team still hasn’t met the target under the current regulations. “It’s going to be incredibly difficult, and that needs reviewing because as someone who spends their life going through marginal gains, taking weight out of a car, it’s not a fun thing to do.”
More concerns are being raised about the aerodynamics of the new cars. To compensate for some of the characteristics of the new power units, the FIA plans to significantly reduce the downforce – currently estimating a 30% cut – and drag. However, this will lead to significant changes in the way lap times are achieved. While it appears top speeds will increase – by some estimates quite dramatically – the new F1 cars will be significantly slower in the corners.
The cars will feature adjustable aerodynamic elements on both front and rear wings to reduce downforce on straights. This will also help to make more efficient use of the power available from the new engines and avoid the drastic scenario, raised b
