FIA gives the latest update on the 2026 F1 cars

FIA's Nikolas Tombazis insisted that the 2026 F1 cars would be smaller and lighter.

FIA gives the latest update on the 2026 F1 cars

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc battling for P3 at the Italian GP (image via IMAGO)

Formula 1 is set to introduce major regulation changes in 2026. The new rules for the 2026 Power units have already been put in place, which has attracted Audi and Ford to the sport. However, the new plans for the cars still remain in progress. Now, the FIA has given the latest updates on the planned regulations for the 2026 challengers.

The main aim of the new rules would be to enhance racing and facilitate overtaking. A strong emphasis is being placed on making the cars lighter. As per reports, the FIA aims to make the 2026 F1 cars 50kg lighter than the current minimum weight of 798kg. Formula 1 cars will retain the ground-effect concept that was re-introduced in 2022.

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Moreover, the new F1 cars will be smaller than their predecessors. The 2026 machinery would be narrower and shorter than the current cars to make them more nimble and agile. This would also reduce drag. Drivers such as Max Verstappen have insisted on making the cars smaller for some time now. The introduction of Active Aero remains doubtful for now.

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FIA’s Director of the single-seater department, Nikolas Tombazis, told FormulaPassion, “We will have smaller cars, both in width and in length, with narrower tires. This also helps to reduce aerodynamic drag. Despite the increase in battery capacity and therefore the greater weight of power units in 2026, we estimate that the overall minimum weight can drop fifty kilos.”

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2026 to be the start of an exciting era in Formula 1

Audi's F1 announcement livery
Audi’s F1 announcement livery (image via Audi Sport)

The 2026 F1 season would witness several changes on the grid. Audi would officially enter into the pinnacle of motorsport after having completed its takeover of Sauber. Ford would be making its foray into the championship as part of its collaboration with Red Bull Power units. While Honda would switch to Lawrence Stroll‘s Aston Martin.

Although the grid for 2026 is tough to predict for now, it seems that 2026 will certainly be an exciting season. The new era would witness six Power unit manufacturers on the grid after decades. The new rules are expected to help improve racing in the championship and provide thrilling action and overtakes to viewers every race.

Thus, FIA’s Nikolas Tombazis has updated the new regulations for the 2026 F1 cars. The objective of the sport is to enhance racing and deliver exciting races to fans. The 2026 cars are expected to be smaller, narrower and lighter. This could potentially result in one of the most exciting seasons the sport has witnessed in years.

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