The FIA has unveiled the F1 2026 showcar, providing a panoramic perspective.
Officially confirming smaller and lighter cars for F1 2026, Adrian Newey had previously called the new regulations “strange” but something every technical director would have to adapt to.
In 2026, Formula 1 is set to revolutionize the sport with a range of significant modifications, encompassing fresh engines and revamped car designs.
Adrian Newey: Are F1 2026 rules good or are they bad?
But while the engine regulations have long been known, the sport’s bosses finally announced the new technical specifications for the cars on Thursday.
One of the main points to note is that the cars have become lighter, shorter, and narrower compared to their previous versions. The current minimum weight has been reduced by 30 kilograms, bringing it down to 768kg.
In order to create a more agile vehicle, the FIA intends to reduce the wheelbase by 200mm from its current 3600mm to 3400mm, and make it 100mm narrower than its present dimensions.
Additionally, DRS has been replaced by an electric boost as the latest overtaking technique, resembling the push-to-pass approach employed in other racing competitions.
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The active aerodynamics implemented on both the front and rear wings could be considered as the most significant alteration for the designers.
Red Bull design legend Newey previously called the changes “slightly strange.”
Speaking to Autosport earlier this year, he said: “At the moment, they look a slightly strange set of regulations but to then write them off and say therefore they won’t be good, it’s way too premature.
As a designer, there is a moment when you initially evaluate what something could potentially become and form an opinion on whether it is good or bad. However, there comes a time when you must set aside those thoughts and simply focus on tackling the challenge at hand.
However, his remarks primarily focused on the engines that would possess enhanced battery capacity, aiming to achieve a balanced distribution of 50% internal combustion power and 50% electric power.
The Red Bull team boss, Christian Horner, referred to the technology as ‘Frankenstein’ and Adrian Newey, in regards to the split, stated, “The formula is going to be quite peculiar, as the engines will essentially function as generators almost constantly.”
“So, it will require some time to adapt to the idea of the engine working vigorously in the midst of Loews hairpin.”
The engine regulations were formulated and implemented with little consideration for the chassis aspect, which is a fair observation.
This is currently causing significant difficulties in finding a viable solution to address the issue.
However, I believe that the positive aspect is its ability to enhance efficiency. Any initiative that achieves this and encourages it aligns with my previous statement of utilizing F1 to popularize a trend.
It is uncertain whether Newey will still be present to witness the implementation of the F1 2026 regulations, as he has revealed his plan to depart from Red Bull by the first quarter of 2025.
Even though there have been numerous associations between him and Ferrari, Newey is currently contemplating whether he should prolong his career in F1.
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