IN PICTURES – The new version of F1 2026 is revealed

The new era of Formula 1 approach and the final details of the technical regulations for 2026 are being refined. Presented last June, it had raised serious concerns from drivers and teams, particularly concerning the aerodynamics and safety of future single-seaters. The balance between straight-line speed, considered too high, and cornering speed, considered too low, raised some questions: some managers even feared that the 1 F2026 cars would be barely faster than the Formula 2 !

Since then, in-depth work has been carried out by the FIA ​​Technical Advisory Committee with the help of the teams to improve the sensitive points of these new regulations. The report was given during the F1 Commission at the beginning of October, with modifications made and validated to make the cars more efficient (with more downforce) and safer than expected. A larger diffuser, wider "working zones" on the front wing and floor, a reworked body: so many changes that should make the 1 F2026 cars around two seconds faster than the initial plan unveiled last June, with around 50 aerodynamic points gained compared to the first version of the regulations. Adjustments welcomed by all the teams, whose main concerns have dissipated.

On the sidelines of the World Motor Sport Council, held this Wednesday in Kigali (Rwanda), the FIA ​​published the new renderings of what the 1 F2026 should look like after the changes made to the technical regulations. Compared to the first visuals unveiled in June, the differences are subtle but visible: the front wing fins are more prominent while the wings on the edges have been modified, the floor area has been widened and allows the appearance of several elements on the side, the rear wing is broken down into three parts, two of which are removable, while the wheel flanges have been revised. Active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings are still relevant, with physical stops to prevent these elements from pivoting beyond what will be allowed by the regulations. Teams will be able to start working on their F1 2026 from January 1, 2025.

Gallery – F1 2026

(Illustrations: FIA)

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