Formula 1 is moving at full speed towards the umpteenth revolution in its technical regulations, which will come into force in 2026 once it is approved at the World Council to be held at the end of the month. Although the main modifications were revealed some time ago, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) showed this Thursday, in advance of the Canadian Grand Prix, a video showing what the prototypes that will be put on the track could look like. The idea is to follow the line of the last shake-up, which came into force in 2022 and which aimed to increase the attractiveness of the races and increase the number of overtaking. Max Verstappen’s last two consecutive titles, two rides for the Dutchman from Red Bull, confirmed that the measures introduced then were not enough to achieve the objective. Although Ferrari (Australia and Monaco) and McLaren (Miami) have broken that overwhelming Mad Max dynamic in the first third of this season, the new regulatory framework is expected to remix the cards again.
This time, the cars will be very different from those measured on the track and will continue to do so in 2025. Their dimensions will be considerably reduced, to stop the gigantism that had been established in the last decade. They will be shorter (the wheelbase is reduced by 20 centimeters), narrower (ten centimeters) and lighter (30 kilos). The movable rear wing (DRS), which was introduced in 2011 and which reduces drag to proliferate offensive maneuvers, will give way to a dual active aerodynamics system, on the front and rear wing, which will seek a similar effect — reduce resistance.
Regarding the power unit, whose general features were presented a couple of years ago, the increase in the influence of the electrical part stands out, which is balanced at 50% with that of the combustion engine. That will make the 160 horsepower offered by the current ERS (energy recovery system) become around 470 horsepower. On the contrary, the MGU-H, which also pushed from the heat arising from the turbo, will disappear, to simplify this complex element a bit and seduce potential manufacturers who may be interested in entering the contest. To complement this revolution, cars will also increase some safety-related components, especially in response to frontal and side impacts, as well as anti-roll devices, which will be more robust.
“Lightweight, extremely fast and agile cars, which at the same time remain at the forefront of technology,” highlighted Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single-seater director. “These regulations have been designed to offer closer races, increase competition between teams and improve the spectacle,” added the Greek engineer, who has extensive experience in different teams, such as Benetton, McLaren and Ferrari.
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