FIA introduced the brand new F1 rules for 2026 intimately forward of the Canadian MP. Listed here are all of the technical rules. Are the brand new guidelines a bonus for Mercedes?
System 1 shall be radically reworked from the 2026 season onwards, and the aim for which the brand new guidelines have been created refers to sustainability, security, and using cutting-edge applied sciences that each one result in a extra partaking spectacle. Let’s talk about them one after the other.
Propulsion
The FIA’s purpose was for nearly 50% of energy to be electrical, and this resolution led to radical adjustments. MGU-Ok electrical motor related to the crankshaft of the combustion engine offered 120 kW earlier than, and now it can present 350 kW, which is nearly thrice extra. The primary query is cost the battery sufficient to energy such a strong electrical motor.
From 2026, the ICE engine will develop round 400 kW (545 PS) and the MGU-Ok electrical motor one other 350 kW (475 PS), making a complete of 1020 PS with a 100% charged battery. The increase stress of the turbo has been restricted to 4.8 bar, and the compression ratio has been diminished from 18:1 to 16:1 to restrict the ability of the ICE engine.
On the identical time, the MGU-H unit has been dropped as a result of is now not wanted, because the ICE engine energy has been significantly diminished. The MGU-H is positioned between the exhaust fuel turbine and the compressor wheel, immediately on the turbine shaft. This know-how was utilized by Mercedes for the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar.
Will probably be fascinating to see if Mercedes’ battery and battery energy administration experience will assist the German carmaker obtain higher effectivity in vitality recuperation and battery charging.
Dimensions and weight
The brand new System 1 vehicles shall be lighter and extra compact. The wheelbase has been diminished from 3,600 to three,400 mm, the width of the automobile has been diminished from 2,000 to 1,900 mm, the entrance wing is 100 mm narrower and the wheels stay 18-inch however the width of the tires has been diminished by 25 mm on the entrance and 30 mm on the rear. Solely two flaps are allowed on the entrance and three on the rear. The ground width has been diminished by 150 mm and it will likely be flat over a bigger space, with the rear diffuser much less aggressive. All these measures will decrease downforce by 30% and drag by 55% to make the electrical motor extra environment friendly.
The automobile’s weight has been diminished by 30 kg, from 798 to 768 kg. The burden consists of 722 kg automobile weight and 46 kg wheels and tires.
The DRS shall be changed by a brand new system. So as to not decelerate on the straight strains, as a result of full throttle is required the place attainable to cost the battery, there shall be lively aerodynamics for the primary time in System 1. On the push of a button, the entrance wing and rear wing shall be oriented completely horizontally for minimal drag. As with the DRS system, the motive force will obtain an acoustic sign to activate X-mode for minimal drag.Mercedes has additionally a excessive experience within the space of lively aerodynamics utilized in collection manufacturing for the AMG One Hypercar and for the brand new AMG SL and AMG GT.
For the present, the FIA has developed a brand new system that can make overtaking extra spectacular. It’s an additional increase generally known as ‘Handbook Override’ which permits the motive force to entry further electrical energy for a lap if he’s near a rival and he’s making ready to overhaul. The additional electrical energy is simply accessible from 290 km/h upwards.
The principles within the figuresPropulsionF1 rules for 2026 in figuresEngine: V6 at 90 degreesDisplacement: 1,600 ccSupercharging: turboMaximum bore: 80 mmMaximum compression: 16:1Maximum increase stress: 4.8 barMaximum engine pace: 15,000 rpmMaximum turbine pace: 150,000 rpmFuel: E100Tank capability: 100 kg (approx. 135 litres)ICE engine energy: approx. 400 kW (545 PS)Most vitality circulate: 3,000 MJoule/hElectric motor: MGU-KElectric motor energy: approx. 350 kW (475 PS)Most torque MGU-Ok: 500 NmEnergy in battery: 8.5 MJoule/strokeExtra Enhance: 350 kW from 290 km/h to 337 km/hMinimum weight of all the propulsion system: 185 kgof which ICE engine, turbocharger, energy electronics: min. 130 kgTurbocharger: min. 12 kgMGU-Ok: min. 16 kgOutput shaft: min. 4 kgBattery: min. 35 kgUnits allowed/pilot/yeara) 3 thermal engines, 3 turbochargers, 3 exhaust systemsb) 2 batteries, 2 MGU-KBench check hours allowed in 2026: 700 h (ICE engine), 500 h (electrical engine).Price range allowed: $130 million per yr from 2026 onwards
BodyWheelbase: max. 3,400 mmWidth: max. 1,900 mmMinimum weight: 768 kg together with driverDRS: entrance and rear wingRear wing: 3 parts, adjustableFront wing: 2 flaps, adjustableWheels: 18-inchTyre width: 705 mm (entrance), 710 mm (rear)Podea: Nearly solely paidDiffuser: much less aggressiveDeflectors: Deflector in entrance of the facet sills replaces the entrance spoiler