Overview
- FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said simulations show 2026 cars will be roughly one to two seconds slower than current F1 machinery, not near F2 speeds.
- The 2026 rules bring lighter, narrower cars with a larger electrical share of power, sustainable fuels, and driver-operated active aerodynamics.
- Drag Reduction System will be replaced by a manual override energy boost, changing overtaking dynamics and integrating strategy with battery deployment.
- The FIA expects improved wake performance at the start of the cycle, targeting around 90% downforce retention at 20 metres to aid closer following.
- Team engineers anticipate greater early-season performance spread and track-dependent lap-time variance tied to energy harvesting and final Pirelli tyre specs.