Formula 1: Everything you need to know about new cars

The 2026 season marks a total departure from the current era of Formula 1, as the new cars that will start the season at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix are very different from the ones that finished 2025.

Even though the cars are still very similar on the surface, the engine design has changed, the chassis has a new aerodynamic philosophy, the fuels are fully sustainable carbon-neutral concoctions made from waste biomass or synthetic industrial processes, and the tyres are smaller.

The reason for these changes is to produce cars with more agile racing, increased sustainability, and a more level playing field for teams. 

In this article, Sporting Tribune outlines everything you need to know about the 2026 changes.

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The New Chassis: “The Agile Car”

Since 2022, drivers have complained that cars are too heavy and wide for tight street circuits like Monaco or Singapore. The 2026 rules tackle this head-on:

Shrinking the Frame: The car is getting shorter and narrower. The wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels) is dropping by 200mm, and the overall width is being cut by 100mm.

Weight Loss: Engineers are being forced to shave off 30kg. While this sounds small, it is a massive engineering challenge that will make the cars change direction much faster.

Narrower Tyres: To reduce drag and weight, the tyres are being slimmed down by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Active Aerodynamics

For the first time in history, F1 cars will use Active Aerodynamics on both the front and rear wings. This replaces the current DRS system with two distinct settings, which are analysed below:

Z-Mode (High Downforce): it is used in corners to keep the car glued to the track.

X-Mode (Low Drag): This is used on straights. Both the front and rear wing flaps will open up to reduce air resistance, allowing for higher top speeds and better fuel efficiency.

The Power Unit: 50% Petrol, 50% Electric

The internal combustion engine (V6 Turbo) is staying, but the “hybrid” part is getting a massive promotion.

Removing the MGU-H: The most complex and expensive part of the current engine—which recycled heat from the exhaust—is being scrapped. This makes it easier for new brands like Audi and Ford to join the sport.

Equal Power Split: The electric motor (MGU-K) will now produce nearly three times more power than it does today (jumping from 120kW to 350kW).

100% Sustainable Fuel: According to Honda Global, F1 will no longer use traditional fossil fuels. The new engines will run on synthetic “e-fuels” that are carbon-neutral, proving that high-performance racing can exist without harming the environment.

Manual Override

Because every car can now use “Low Drag” mode on straights, the current DRS (which only the follower can use) would become useless. To fix this, F1 is introducing the Manual Override Mode, a new way to overtake, according to Silverstone. 

If a driver is within one second of the car ahead, they get a massive surge of extra electrical energy. While the leading car’s battery power starts to taper off at high speeds, the chasing driver can keep that extra boost all the way to the end of the straight, creating a clear opportunity to pass.

Safety without compromise

Despite the focus on weight saving, the FIA has also strengthened the safety cell. The 2026 F1 regulations introduce a rigorous new standard for driver protection.