F1 set to increase the aerodynamic performance of the 2026 cars
Formula One and the FIA have confirmed a number of tweaks to the technical regulation of the 2026 F1 season, including the increase of the expected aerodynamic performance of the brand-new cars.
In June, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile revealed the much anticipated technical regulations that will define the sport from 2026 onwards.
The 2026 cars will be 30kg lighter than current generation F1 cars which should improve efficiency and handling. The sport will introduce active aerodynamics to suit the energy management requirements of new power units. The new cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel.
The power units will be completely redesigned with almost 300% more battery power and even split between Internal Combustion and Electric power.
This week saw the F1 Commission stage its latest meeting, chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
The main aim of the meeting was to discuss the timeline and structure of the 2026 Regulations covering Technical, Sporting and Financial matters,
The sport has confirmed that "following discussions during recent Technical Advisory Committee meetings, and ongoing talks with Formula One teams, a number of amendments to the 2026 Technical Regulations in the areas of performance, aerodynamics and safety have been included in the latest iteration of these Regulations."
The changes involve an increase of the expected aerodynamic performance of the cars "following extensive collaboration between the teams and the FIA over the last few months."
In addition, the 2026 Sporting Regulations have also undergone a significant re-vamp, seeking to simplify their structure.
It was also agreed that the 2026 pre-season test schedule will involve three, three-day tests, with the sport confirming that the unusually long winter testing has been added to the schedule due to the challenges that are expected to arise due the new Power Unit Regulations.
Moreover, F1 and the FIA have also confirmed that the 2026 Financial Regulations will be an evolution of the current regulatory framework, stating that "the objectives of the 2026 regulations are to provide a competitive balance between sporting fairness and financial sustainability."
All proposed changes are subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council, which will rule on them at their next meeting on Thursday, October 17.
