F1 is known for regulation changes that can shake up the entire grid. The 2026 season will bring the biggest overhaul of advancements in over a decade. But what exactly is changing, and how will this affect racing?
Changes to aerodynamics
One of the biggest changes is the removal of DRS (Drag Reduction System) and the arrival of the Active Aero concept. Cars will have an adjustable rear wing that opens and closes to reduce drag and increase speed on straights. Unlike DRS, where deployment is limited to only when there is a 1 second gap, active aero can be used by any driver on any lap. It is not free-use all the time though – its deployment is restricted to designated zones, similar to DRS. The front wing will also be adjustable for the same purpose. Under the new regulations, additional aerodynamic ‘modes’ have been added to be used when cars are within 1 second of each other. When a car is within 1 second, the driver can activate Overtake Mode, providing a temporary speed boost. A boost button in the cockpit allows drivers to manually deploy stored electrical energy.
Changes to power units
After 11 seasons with largely unchanged power unit architecture, F1 will introduce a redesign for 2026. The same 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine will remain, whereas the MGU-K (which recharges energy while braking) is being altered to store and deploy three times more energy than its predecessor. The 2026 power units are more simplified hybrid systems compared to previous years. The MGU-H has been scrapped altogether, which means power units aren’t going to be as powerful. So speed needs to be made up elsewhere – the car.
Changes to the car
The ground-effect-focused regulations introduced in 2022 have been heavily reduced for 2026. Cars will have flatter floors and extended diffusers, meaning they produce less downforce. There is also a higher ride height requirement. This will be beneficial for the drivers because a greater variety of set-ups will be able to exist, suiting a wider range of driving styles. The idea behind this is to level the playing field. One of the main goals of the new regulations is to make cars more nimble. In 2026, wheelbases will be 200mm shorter, floors 100mm narrower, and the minimum weight has gone down from 798kg to 768kg. Overall drag is expected to be reduced by up to 40% allowing for higher maximum speeds. Finally, changes have been made to improve safety, such as stronger roll hoops and impact structures.
Those are the rule changes, but how will they affect racing? In recent years, specifically 2023 and some of 2024, F1 was criticised for boring races with little overtaking. The hope with these new regulations is to improve competition and race quality. Cars are narrower and smaller, making overtaking a lot easier, especially at street circuits. Overtake and Boost modes allow for greater speed and more overtaking, hence the name. Active Aero works even when cars aren’t within 1 second of each other, encouraging more organic racing. With one new team, two new tracks, and massive regulation changes, 2026 will be an incredible season to watch.
