The next generation of F1 2026 cars will have brand-new chassis, mechanics and aerodynamics. They will also feature significantly revised engines, albeit developed from the current baseline – i.e. the most efficient units in the world. Published for the first time in August 2022, the power unit regulation provides a major leap forward. The 2026 engine will deliver even more power than current Power Units.
While the power derived from the endothermic part will drop from 550-560 kW to 400 kW, the power generated by the battery will increase enormously from 120 kW to 350 kW. This will be almost a 3005 increase in electrical power.
“The new sustainably powered hybrid powertrain represents a huge opportunity for the global automotive industry. The fuel drop has the potential to be used by cars around the world and dramatically reduce emissions. Its potential is one of the main reasons why we will have a record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 in 2026,” announced Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
ACTIVE AERODYNAMICS FORCED THE ELIMINATION OF DRS
The new regulations have led to commitments from existing suppliers such as Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault. However, they have also been designed to entice Honda, Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
“The thing I am most proud of about these regulations is that, as the FIA, we have been able to reach a global agreement with six engine manufacturers and Formula 1. It was a great challenge and a team effort where it took us some time but we did it,” said Vincent Pereme, the FIA Head of Powertrain.
The International Automobile Federation began work on F1 2026 by formulating the new engines. After this, the chassis was formulated. The 2026 chassis will be designed to eliminate the problems of current cars, such as high rigidity. Eliminating the limitations of the current engines is also a key objective.
Increasing dependence on the electrical part means introducing other important risks. One obstacle is the impossibility of continuously powering the electric motor. To combat this, active aerodynamics have been introduced. This will reduce resistance to forward movement by 55%. New flaps at the rear and front wings will achieve this goal.
As a result, there has been a complete revision of the system dedicated to overtaking. DRS is not effectively removed. The Manual Override system takes its place. This will allow a driver to use their electric motor for a longer period in a straight line than a competitor.
OVERRIDE MODE WILL BE THE NEW DRS IN F1 2026
“In 2026, there will be the Override function, which works similarly to DRS. If you are within a certain distance before the end of a lap of the car in front of you, for the next lap, you will be given the opportunity to use more electrical energy than your opponent,” said Jan Monchaux, FIA Single Seater Technical Director.
This increase will be worth 0.5 MJ than the baseline 8.5 MJ. What is more important is the difference in usable power in a straight line. This will become the real helping factor in overtaking. When cars reach above 300 km/ h, the difference between the two maps could even be more than 200 HP.
“The extra electrical energy is there to replace the opening of the rear wing and give a car an extra push to try to overtake,” said Monchaux. It is understood the 2026 regulations are based on an aerodynamic concept that reduces dirty air. To overtake in 2026, staying close to the car in front will be important.
“Given that both cars will have the rear wing open and the front wing flap open to aid overtaking. We will allow the car behind to deploy more electrical power for a certain portion of time during that lap,” Monchaux explained.
“The logic will remain the same as we are used to. I’m close enough to another car, I’m given an extra amount of energy for that lap, which I can use however I want,” said the FIA Single Seater Technical Director.
Going into more detail, with the Override mode, the maximum power of cars will increase to 337 km/h. With the standard mapping, drivers will be able to use the 350 kW of maximum power up to 290 km /h.
Above that speed, the kW of electric power will progressively decrease until reaching zero at 355 km/h. The same goes for the standard mapping. In this setting, from 339 km/h, the drivers will only be able to count on 105 kW of power. This extra energy will drop to zero when the car hits 345 km/h. From this point on, thermal energy will take over.
