The ultimate breakdown: everything you need to know about F1's new regulations for 2026

"The cars have been made smaller and lighter with the intent of making them more nimble, better to drive and to facilitate improved racing. The wheelbase has been reduced by 20cm to 340cm and the width by 10cm to 190cm. Across changes in the chassis and to the engine, the overall weight has been reduced by 30kg."

"Perhaps the single biggest change in the new regulations is the adoption of new hybrid engines, which now deliver a nearly equal split in power from the internal combustion engine and electrical energy. The 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE), now powered by fully sustainable fuel, will deliver approximately 400KW or 536bhp and will be combined with the motor generator unit kinetic (MGU-K), capable of producing 350KW or 469bhp, an expansion of almost 300% on last year's electrical energy delivery."

"Drivers such as Lewis Hamilton have declared themselves generally pleased with the improved handling characteristics of the more sprightly rides, which will operate with approximately 40% less drag, but they will not enjoy the same downforce or the same pace as last year's models and are expected to open the season around one to two seconds a lap off last year's times."

Formula One's 2026 regulations represent a major shift in the sport, introducing significantly redesigned cars aimed at improving racing quality and driver experience. The new vehicles are smaller and lighter, with the wheelbase reduced by 20cm to 340cm and width by 10cm to 190cm, resulting in a total weight reduction of 30kg. The most substantial change involves new hybrid engines that deliver approximately equal power from a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine (536bhp) and an expanded motor generator unit kinetic (469bhp), representing a 300% increase in electrical energy delivery. The removed MGU-H unit previously managed turbo-lag. These modifications produce 40% less drag, though cars will be approximately one to two seconds per lap slower than previous models. Drivers report improved handling characteristics despite reduced downforce.

Read at www.theguardian.com