How the F1 chassis is changing under 2026 regulations
Here's a look at everything that's changing on the chassis side of Formula 1's 2026 cars
Render of a 2026 F1 car
FIA
Formula 1’s 2026 regulations represent the most comprehensive overhaul of technical rules since 2014, emphasising the creation of cars that are smaller, lighter, and more raceable.
The FIA’s approach focuses on reducing overall drag while maintaining cornering performance through active aerodynamic systems.
For the first time in over two decades, F1 cars will become significantly lighter, with the minimum weight reduced from 800 kilograms to 768 kilograms.
Dimensional changes include a 200-millimetre wheelbase reduction from 3600mm to 3400mm and a 100mm width decrease to 1900mm.
These changes are aimed at making the cars more responsive and better suited to close racing, addressing criticisms that current cars are too wide and heavy, particularly for narrow circuits where overtaking has been made even harder by the nature of the cars.
The new chassis regulations will allow teams more aerodynamic freedom than initially planned, after feedback that early concepts were too restrictive and could make the cars too slow.
Evolution of F1 car weight through the years
| Year(s) | Minimum weight (kg) | Notes/Regulation Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1950–1960 | ~600–700 | No official minimum; typical car weights |
| 1961–1965 | 450 | First official minimum introduced (1.5L engines) |
| 1966–1972 | 500 | Minimum increased with 3.0L engines |
| 1973–1980 | 575 | |
| 1981–1982 | 585 | |
| 1983–1987 | 540 | Turbo era |
| 1988 | 540 | |
| 1989–1993 | 500 | |
| 1994 | 505 | |
| 1995–2008 | 595 | Driver weight included from 1995 |
| 2009 | 605 | |
| 2010 | 620 | Refuelling banned |
| 2011–2012 | 640 | KERS widely used |
| 2013 | 642 | |
| 2014 | 691 | Hybrid V6 engines introduced |
| 2015–2016 | 702 | Anti-intrusion panels added |
| 2017 | 728 | Wider wheels and tyres |
| 2018 | 734 | Halo safety device introduced |
| 2019 | 743 | 80kg driver allowance |
| 2020 | 746 | Second fuel flow meter added |
| 2021 | 752 | |
| 2022–2024 | 798 | 18-inch wheels, ground effect cars |
| 2025 | 800 | 82kg driver allowance |
| 2026 | 768 | Chassis and tyre mass reduced, new regulations |
On the aerodynamic side, downforce levels are expected to be reduced by 30% and drag by 55% compared to the current cars, meaning less reliance on ground effect and more on the clever use of active wings in the hope of having cars that are more raceable, particularly when running close together.
The most significant change is the introduction of active aerodynamics, with both the front and rear wings featuring moveable elements, allowing drivers to switch between high-downforce (Z-mode) and low-drag (X-mode) configurations.
It’s a system designed to improve straight-line speed, reduce fuel consumption, and allow drivers to follow each other more closely through corners.
Current wings typically consist of two main elements: the main plane and the upper flap, which is moveable for DRS activation.
Next year, the rear wing will have three elements, the front wing will feature two active flaps and the lower beam wing (the lower element of the rear wing) will be removed, making the structure appear more integrated and less bulky at the back.
The 2026 will be smaller and lighter
FIA
The DRS will disappear in 2026 and will be replaced by the new Manual Override system that offers a temporary boost of electrical power from the MGU-K when running within a second of a rival.
Tyres will also be narrower by 25mm (front) and 30mm (rear), although the current 18-inch rim size will remain unchanged.
The diameter of the tyres will also decrease from 720mm to 705-710mm.
The new Pirelli tyres were already tested on track by Aston Martin late in 2024 ahead of their introduction next season.
Visually, the 2026 F1 cars are expected to look sleeker, narrower, and more compact.