New cars, new engines, new language: Formula 1 will experience the biggest rule revolution in its recent history in 2026. At the start of the season in Australia, sport.de explains what’s changing – and what’s behind terms like boost mode or active aerodynamics.
From 2026, Formula 1 will have regulations for cars and engines that are fundamentally different from the previous ones. The engines are now 50 percent electrically powered, and the cars are a bit smaller, lighter and more agile.
Max Verstappen was anything but enthusiastic after the first test drives and spoke of a “Formula E on steroids”.
However, the makers of the premier class are hoping that the reforms will result in more exciting and action-packed races that will get the fans off their sofas – and in which the focus is on the driver. Verstappen and Co. will have completely new options in the cockpit in the future, but “features” like DRS are history. sport.de explains what’s new in F1.
The new Formula 1 engines: dare to use more electric motors
All that remains is the 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine. Previously, the units produced around 1000 hp, divided into 800 hp from the combustion engine and around 200 hp from the electric motor. In the future, the battery will provide 50 percent of the total power. The MGU-H of the Power Unit, which recovered exhaust heat, is history. The combustion engine is now powered entirely by synthetic fuel.
What that means explained RTL-Expert Christian Danner in “Sport Bild”: “The combustion engine has to do a lot more to fully charge the battery of the electric motor. Controlling this becomes very complicated for the drivers and engineers.”
Video: F1 expert Danner explains: New engine
Formula 1 aerodynamics: Flexible wings for more flexible driving
Until now, the aerodynamics in Formula 1 have been relatively rigid. Only the DRS enabled the drivers to reduce air resistance on the straights. That is changing. DRS has been abolished, but the front and rear wings are now adjustable. This means that on the straights you can set the wing flatter to drive faster, but steeper in the curves to have more grip.
Video: F1 expert Danner explains: Active aerodynamics
The new Formula 1 tires
Overall, the grip level provided by the cars will be lower than in previous years. This is also due to Pirelli’s new generation of tires. The tires are 2.5 centimeters narrower at the front and three centimeters narrower at the rear. Danner: “The narrower tires are part of the overall concept of making the cars smaller again – and in my opinion also more stylish.”
Formula 1 2026: length, width, underbody
The Formula 1 regulators are accommodating the wishes of many fans and drivers: the cars are smaller and lighter than in 2025. Instead of two meters, they are now only 1.90 meters wide, and the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) is shortened from 3.60 meters to 3.40 meters.
Video: Hamilton gets Red and White Goddess
When it comes to the underbody, the era of ground effect cars that sucked themselves onto the asphalt and had to be placed as low as possible is over. This means that the annoying hopping around (called porpoising) is a thing of the past. “Now there is a large area on the underbody that significantly reduces downforce,” explains F1 expert Danner. This was already visible during the tests in Barcelona. “The drivers no longer have to scrape the ground as brutally hard as before.”
“Boost mode” and “overtaking mode” – the new language of Formula 1
After extensive communication with the FIA, the teams, engineers and also the fans, the F1 makers have presented a new language catalog. Formula 1 will sound a little like a video game in the future. But: The aim is for the driver to be the center of attention and bear more responsibility than ever before. Four terms are central.
Overtake Mode
What’s it about? The overtaking mode replaces the DRS, which had been in effect in Formula 1 since 2011 and was the only real overtaking aid for the drivers.
How does it work? If a driver has come within a second of the man in front of him, he can release extra power to launch an attack and overtake.
The difference to DRS, in which the pilots were only allowed to open their rear wing in certain sections: Now the drivers can use the overtaking mode strategically – either to call up additional power in one fell swoop or spread over a lap.
Why is it important? The practiced DRS ritual – wing on the wing and easily overtaking on the straight – is a thing of the past. Overtaking should no longer be an “automatic” number, but should become more tactical. The driver has to decide when to attack and no longer wait for a DRS zone.
The Boost Mode (Boost Mode)
What’s it about? A driver-controlled mode that uses energy from the Energy Recovery System (ERS).
How does it work? At the push of a button, drivers have maximum power available anywhere on the route, both from the engine and the battery. Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Co. can use the boost mode offensively to attack and also defensively to ward off an overtaking maneuver.
Why is it important? More responsibility for drivers. They have a racing tool in their hands that they can use specifically in wheel-to-wheel duels. Racing IQ, racing acumen, racing classification – the 22 pilots have to relearn and hone all of this to a certain extent.
Video: F1 expert Danner explains: Boost and Overtake mode
Active aerodynamics (Active Aero)
What’s it about? The previously mentioned adjustment of the front and rear wings and a flexible play between downforce and air resistance.
How does it work? The wings can be set to curve or straight mode. Steeper in the corners, allowing for more grip. Flat on the straights to reduce drag and achieve higher speed.
Why is it important? The active aero breaks up the rigid setups. The drivers have more leeway between grip and high speed.
Video: F1 expert Danner explains: Active aerodynamics
What’s it about? The process by which drivers recharge their batteries during a lap.
How does it work? Drivers recover energy not only when braking, but also when they lift the accelerator pedal at the end of a straight or even in curves.
Why is it important? Just like tire management, battery management is also becoming an essential part of strategic driving.
“The battery is so sensitive, we have to learn a lot and every route will challenge us differently,” predicts Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli: “The power unit and battery will have the greatest impact, constant energy distribution will be important.”
