Formula 1 fans will have to get used to a number of innovations in the 2026 season. In addition to the widely discussed technological revolution, the regulations include a list of less noticeable but no less significant changes that have so far remained in the shadows.
First of all, the appearance of the cars themselves will change. It is already known that the cars will become more compact: their width will decrease by ten centimeters, and the length will decrease by twenty. Tires will also be revised - the tread width will decrease by 2.5 centimeters on the front axle and by 3 centimeters on the rear axle. Reducing the size inevitably leads to a decrease in weight: the minimum permissible weight of the car will be 768 kilograms, which is approximately 30 kilograms less than the previous value.
However, achieving this limit will not be easy for engineers. Stricter safety requirements combined with a new power unit create a serious challenge. The hybrid system becomes heavier due to the increased number of components, and even reaching the minimum weight will be a difficult task. In the new generation engines, almost half of the power is provided by the electric part, and in such conditions, pilots will have to much more carefully and accurately control energy consumption during the race than before.
The confrontation between fuel suppliers deserves special attention. The quality of new environmentally friendly fuel compositions will apparently become a real factor directly affecting speed. We can expect regular improvements and updates during the season - similar to how teams traditionally develop aerodynamics.
Speaking of aerodynamics: the usual DRS system will be a thing of the past. Instead, the front and rear wings will be able to "flatten" on all straight sections of the track, reducing air resistance and simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.
The overtaking assistance system will also undergo changes and will be officially called "Overtake" mode. Additional power will be available to racers who are less than one second behind the car in front. At the same time, only one interval measurement point will be provided on each lap. After passing it, the attacking pilot will be able to use the power boost either immediately or by distributing it in small portions. Thus, a calculating and strategically verified approach comes to the fore.
Technical reforms are not the only area of change. A number of adjustments have also been made to the sports regulations. Thus, the qualification format had to be revised due to the appearance of the "Cadillac" team. In the first two segments, six cars will now be eliminated instead of five, and the final third segment, as before, will start with the participation of ten cars.
The number of personnel is also increasing. If previously each team was allowed to have 58 employees on the track responsible for operating the cars, then in 2026 this limit will be temporarily increased to 60 people. However, the measure is transitional in nature: already in the 2027 season, the ceiling will be reduced to 59, and in 2028 it is planned to return to the previous limit of 58 people.
The financial aspect has also been revised. The total budget limit has been increased from 135 to 215 million dollars. At first glance, the growth seems radical, but now the calculation includes many items of expenditure that were previously excluded. If we take inflation into account, the total financial burden on teams turns out to be comparable to that which existed when the budget ceiling was first introduced.
The regulations also contain a number of less noticeable but indicative details. For example, the amount of the deposit for filing a protest increases tenfold - from 2,000 to 20,000 euros. The goal is obvious: to reduce the number of formal or unfounded appeals to the FIA. If the protest is rejected, the amount is not returned and is additionally taken into account as part of the budget limit.
The changes also affected weekends with sprint races. In exceptional situations, the race directorate will have the right to extend the only practice session - for example, if it was repeatedly interrupted by accidents. In addition, the rule of red flags in qualifying has been clarified: when they appear, all started laps are canceled, even if the pilot managed to cross the finish line.