F1 2026: will the cars be slower?

F1 2026: How Will the New Cars Differ from Today’s Machines?

As F1 2026 approaches (https://www.formula1.com/) the world of motorsport is preparing for one of its most significant technical revolutions in recent years.

The first images released by the FIA have sparked discussions among fans and experts, raising questions about the true performance potential of the new cars.

The upcoming F1 cars will be visibly more compact: overall length and wheelbase will be reduced, along with smaller wings designed to promote agility and closer racing. Downforce will be rebalanced, moving away from the extreme ground effect introduced in 2022, toward greater aerodynamic efficiency and reduced drag.

The minimum weight will also drop—from 798 kg to 768 kg—improving acceleration and handling. On the power unit side, the hybrid system will play a bigger role. With a significantly more powerful MGU-K producing over three times the current output to offset the reduced thermal engine power.

The FIA’s goal is clear: lighter, simpler, and more sustainable race cars that deliver closer racing. More overtaking, and an even more thrilling show for fans around the world.

F1 2026: weight reduction

The new Formula 1 cars will be noticeably smaller than the current ones. The width will shrink from 2 meters to 1.90 meters, and the wheelbase will also be shortened. The minimum weight will drop by around 30 kg (from the current 798 kg including the driver), improving agility—especially on street circuits.

Tracks like Monaco and Singapore could see slightly more overtaking opportunities, given the narrow layout of their streets. However, the change may not be dramatic, as the overall width reduction is just 10 cm.

Active Aereo on 2026 cars

The traditional DRS will be replaced by an innovative active aerodynamics system. It will be capable of adjusting the front and rear wings in real time based on race conditions. The goal is to enhance overtaking opportunities without compromising cornering stability.

Overall aerodynamic downforce will be slightly reduced, but more efficient and less affected by the turbulent airflow from other cars. As a result, the impact of DRS—previously a key overtaking aid through its movable rear wing—will no longer be as decisive as in recent years.

More electric power from the MGU-K

The power unit of the F1 2026 car will retain the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 architecture. But it will undergo significant revisions to align with modern sustainability goals. The most notable change is the major boost in electric power. The new MGU-K will deliver up to 350 kW (about 475 hp), compared to the current 120 kW. The MGU-H will be eliminated, and the engines will run on 100% sustainable fuels, keeping the total output around 1000 hp.

Efficient and strategic use of the electric component will be crucial, especially to maximize the extra boost provided by the 475 electric horsepower. However, there’s growing concern among engineers. What happens if the MGU-K doesn’t recharge fast enough under braking? This could lead to a significant drop in overall performance.

The pre-season testing in February will be critical to understanding how to best manage the new power units. Drivers will also need to adapt to what may be a very different—and possibly less thrilling—driving style compared to current-generation F1 cars.

A more sustainable and green future for Motorsport

The new F1 cars will therefore be less reliant on aerodynamics and more focused on energy efficiency and mechanical grip. The aim is clearly to make races more exciting, with cars that are less predictable and slightly harder to control through electronics.

2026 is shaping up to be the beginning of a new era in Formula 1. The only question now is how the teams will interpret these new regulations to gain a competitive edge.

Looking ahead, 2026 Formula 1 cars won’t just be smaller and more agile—they’ll also mark a return to driver-focused racing. With reduced aerodynamic wake, closer battles are expected, and strategy will play a bigger role, especially in energy deployment. Cooling systems, brake-by-wire adjustments, and real-time aero changes will all challenge teams and drivers in new ways. Add to that the uncertainty of how each constructor will balance weight, aero efficiency, and power management. And it’s clear we’re heading into one of the most intriguing technical eras in F1 history.