F1 2026: 7 technological innovations set to change the game

The F1 2026 season is bringing with it a uniquely large set of regulation changes, as the sport is introducing a new chassis and power unit at the same time.

Alongside that, we are expecting a new team to arrive in the form of Cadillac, new power unit manufacturers in Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains, and the cars looking – and potentially sounding – different.

With all that to uncover, let’s take a look at the seven technological innovations set to change F1 by 2026. 

#1 Smaller Cars 

The FIA has aimed to make the cars ‘more nimble’ in 2026, with Formula 1 cars having continuously grown over the decades. While still large, here is a look at how the cars match up in terms of size, with the wheelbase and width brought down in size by 5.5% and 5% respectively:

#2 Lighter Cars 

The F1 2026 cars will be much lighter than their 2025 predecessors, as part of the FIA’s ‘nimble’ car mission. The minimum weight of the cars, including tyres and drivers, will be dropping by 4% overall, or 32kg from their 800kg minimum weight, with 768kg being the new minimum from F1 2026.

#3 50/50 Engine Split 

The way power is generated from F1 2026 power units will be changing significantly – but predictions suggest the amount of horsepower should remain largely the same, at just over 1000bhp.

A much bigger focus on electric power deployment is being placed, with around treble the power coming from the MGU-K compared to 2025, alongside a move to fully sustainable fuel from the repurposed internal combustion engine, which will see its power output reduced as the electrical element increases.

This, in turn, will allow a targeted drop to around 70kg of fuel use per race, down from the 100kg used in 2025.

The F1 2026 figures below are projections for now, with the manufacturers in an arms race to produce the very best power unit possible when the season gets underway – meaning each manufacturer may differ slightly in its power output.

F1 2026 projected power unit specification

Engine: 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid
Fuel: Petrol direct injection from 100% sustainable fuel
Internal combustion engine power: Approx. 535bhp [400kW]
MGU-K power: Approx. 470bhp [350kW]
Total power: Approx. 1000+bhp
Fuel use limit: Approx. 70kg per race
Maximum ICE revs: Unlimited since 2022
F1 2025 power unit specification
Engine: 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid
Fuel: Petrol direct injection, at least 10% sustainable advanced ethanol
Internal combustion engine power [combined with MGU-H]: Approximately 850bhp [630kW]
MGU-K power: 160bhp [120kW]
Total power: Approx. 1000+bhp
Fuel use limit: 100kg per race
Maximum ICE revs: Unlimited since 2022, though teams typically rev to 12,000rpm

#4 Slower Cars 

It is believed that the F1 2026 cars are likely to be slower over one lap than in F1 2025 – though it is difficult to say by how much.

While there has been nothing that has yet been publicly released predicting a pace difference between F1 2026 cars compared to F1 2025 cars, but teams can always be relied upon to improve their speed as seasons progress.

The cars in F1 2025 are among the fastest the sport has ever seen, and with less downforce and less drag projected in 2026, improved straight-line speed is set to be coupled with lower cornering speeds, with lap times likely to be slower than in 2025 as a result – at least to begin with.

#5 Active Aerodynamics 

The drag reduction system [DRS] has been long used as an overtaking aid in Formula 1, and the movable rear wing is being replaced in F1 2026 by a movable rear and front wing system, in order to reduce drag even further.

This new system will not be an outright overtaking aid, because unlike DRS every driver will be able to make use of it, rather than one car chasing another.

The new way of driving will enable the drivers to switch between Z-mode, the standard driving setting with the front and rear wing closed, and X-mode, with both front and rear wing open, at multiple points on the lap when safe to do so.

Like DRS, the use of X-mode zones have reportedly been discussed, but exact details have yet to be finalised at the time of publication.

The FIA say X-mode will be driver-controlled and can be switched off by the driver or, as is the case with DRS, turned off automatically by applying the brake.

#6 Smaller Tyres 

The 18-inch wheels introduced in 2022 are staying on the F1 2026 cars, but the tyres are reducing in size slightly – with Formula 1 tyre suppliers Pirelli shaving 25mm in width off the front tyres and 30mm off the rear tyres.

This is predicted to save 5kg across a full set of four tyres, with Pirelli also projecting a “minimal loss” of grip at the same time.

#7 Safer Cars 

The FIA is always looking to make Formula 1 cars safer, and the 2026 editions are no exception.

Despite the cars being made lighter overall, there are increased protections around the front impact structure, a doubling of protection around the fuel cell, a roll hoop load increase from 16G to 20G, with lateral safety lights set to be fitted to show the ERS safety status on a car, adding a further layer of protection to both drivers and marshals while out on track.