Formula 1 News: FIA Unveils Draft 2026 Chassis and Aerodynamic Regulations, Teams and Drivers React
The FIA made a significant announcement last Thursday, revealing a draft set of 2026 Formula 1 chassis and aerodynamic regulations aimed at making cars lighter, smaller, and more eco-friendly. However, the proposed changes have sparked controversy among teams and drivers in the Montreal paddock.
The new regulations, still in their draft form, feature a 30kg reduction in minimum weight limit to 768kg, a narrower car width from 2000mm to 1900mm, and a 150mm reduction in maximum floor width. The wheelbase dimensions will also decrease from 3600mm to 3400mm. Furthermore, the front and rear tyres will undergo a 25mm and 30mm reduction, respectively, resulting in a 30% overall reduction in downforce and a 55% cut in drag.
The wing designs have also been revised, with the front wings becoming 100mm narrower and featuring a two-element active flap. The rear wings will return to three elements, and the lower beam wing has been scrapped. Active aero will be introduced to combat the need for high downforce cornering and low drag on the straights. The Manual Override Mode will replace DRS, allowing drivers to extract maximum power from the MGU-K up to 337kph while chasing another car.
The FIA claims these regulations will produce cars that are “lighter, more powerful, and more focused on driver skill.” However, many have expressed concerns, including Lewis Hamilton, who stated that the 30kg reduction is “going in the right direction, but it’s still heavy.” Fernando Alonso believes achieving the 30kg target in two years will be challenging, but possible with the expertise of the teams.
Team principals like Andrea Stella and Mike Krack have urged for more collaboration between teams and the FIA to achieve the targets set out for 2026. Stella argued that the cars need to be rebalanced in terms of speed in corners and straights, while Krack emphasized the need for constructive discussions among stakeholders.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles expressed concerns that lap times could be perilously close to Formula 2 levels, but acknowledged that the regulations are still in their draft form and can be improved.
It’s essential to remember that these are draft regulations, and the FIA has already shown willingness to relax certain elements to appease the teams. As the 2026 Formula 1 calendar approaches, it’s clear that there’s still much work to be done to achieve the desired balance between performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.
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