FIA director and former Ferrari team principal Nick Tombazis outlined the big shifts coming to Formula 1, signaling a true change in the sport by 2026. The reform package, he indicated, was designed to take shape with a high degree of clarity by June 2024, laying the groundwork for a new era on the track. In a move aimed at accelerating development cycles, wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics work will be restricted until January 2025, forcing teams to rethink how they design and iterate new cars. This pause is intended to slow the traditional aerodynamic arms race and push teams toward more robust, end-to-end simulation and testing processes. At the same time, teams are navigating ongoing contract talks for key drivers whose futures are pivotal for the 2024 season and beyond. Fernando Alonso is widely reported to be in renewal discussions with Aston Martin, with the current agreement running through the end of 2024. Carlos Sainz Jr. also appears set to finish 2024 with Ferrari, and murmurs suggest a new contract with Ferrari would not face major obstacles if both sides want to continue their association. In that sense, the 2026 blueprint is more than a technical rework; it represents a broader recalibration of talent, teams, and governance around the sport.
Seven keys to the new Formula 1
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The new engine concept will debut in 2026 with a power split that mirrors a 50/50 balance between electric propulsion and internal combustion. The architecture is set up so that electric power shares the workload equally with combustion power, creating a more symmetrical drive experience and reducing the dominance of one system over the other.
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Electric power will dominate one half of the performance mix, with the energy recovery system expanding its reach. The current energy recovery output is around 120 kW. The updated units are expected to deliver roughly 160 horsepower initially and could scale to about 350 kW, which translates to around 470 horsepower under certain conditions. This uplift aims to improve electrical assistance across the lap, particularly during acceleration and braking phases.
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The other half of the performance equation comes from the internal combustion engine, which will retain a V6 configuration with turbocharging but at a new specification. Expect a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering peak output downscaled to roughly 500 horsepower to compensate for the heavier reliance on electrified propulsion and to maintain overall vehicle balance while keeping emissions and efficiency in check.
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Weight planning shifts will see the main power unit running about 30 kilograms heavier than the current arrangement. The response from engineers will be to offset this by trimming weight elsewhere, with a clear aim of reducing the overall car weight away from the current 800 kilograms benchmark. The result should be a car that remains agile and responsive while meeting stricter safety and efficiency standards.
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A less intrusive drag reduction system will be pursued. The FIA intends to curb how often DRS alone can swing passing opportunities on the straights. The goal is to restore a stronger emphasis on driver skill and strategic braking as a genuine factor in overtaking, rather than relying heavily on roadside aerodynamic aids.
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Downforce and drag will be trimmed to improve close racing. Efforts since 2022 have focused on reducing the wake pollution from the car ahead, enabling following cars to stay within a usable grip window. The envisaged outcome is more stable airflow around the suspension and other critical components, allowing those parts to function more efficiently while contributing to a lighter overall vehicle weight.
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The wheelbase is expected to shorten further, with a target around 3,400 millimeters compared with the current maximum of 3,600 millimeters. There will be a weight decrease of roughly 40 to 50 kilograms, and the specification favors smaller diameter, wider 16-inch wheels at both ends to support the revised aerodynamics and suspension geometry. These changes are aimed at enhancing cornering response and overall chassis balance.