Formula 1 rules for 2026 are on track to produce shorter, narrower and lighter cars, with the FIA targeting a weight reduction of 50 kilograms. The World Automobile Association is currently working intensively on developing the chassis rule for the next rule period, which will begin in 2026.
In addition to the planned shift towards active aerodynamics to reduce air resistance on the straights, the FIA has revealed further details about the possible changes.
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem has already explained in an interview with “Motorsport-Total.com” that the weight of the cars should be reduced.
Now Nikolas Tombazis, chairman of the FIA’s single-seater commission, says that the size of the cars will also change.
“With the dimensions of the wheels, which will be narrower, as well as with the rear wing and the car in general, we want to reduce the weight of the cars by around 50 kilograms,” explains Tombazis in an interview with “Motorsport.com Italy”. “So it will be possible to see smaller single-seat cars, shorter and narrower. But we are talking about solutions that still need to be discussed.”
“As the car slims down, we can reduce cornering speeds a little. Because they are lighter, they will go faster on the straight, but produce less aerodynamic downforce. So we will need to increase the hybrid’s energy recovery to ensure adequate lap performance. “
Formula 1: Red Bull warns of “Frankenstein cars”
The changes planned for 2026 were not without controversy. Red Bull warned months ago about the danger of “Frankenstein cars”. There were even concerns that drivers would have to downshift in the middle of the straights to prevent the hybrid systems from running out of steam.
However, Tombazis is sure that the FIA has made great efforts to ensure that what is planned for 2026 works: “A lot of work has been done to understand how energy recovery and energy management needs to be done and how overtaking maneuvers based on the aerodynamic configuration. We have done many simulations changing these parameters and we have found solutions that seem to work appropriately.”
Tombazis points out that some of the concerns originally raised about the performance of the 2026 cars are not based on current simulation models: “If you were to install the 2026 engines in the current vehicles, you would probably get the scenario that those who are worried have done, suggested,” he says.
“But in recent months we have collected a number of very positive developments, so the comments express old positions. We must also take into account that the engine and the chassis must evolve together, and it will not be possible to do the one without to think the other.”