What changes in F1 in 2026? All the new regulations
No DRS, active aerodynamics, a more electric engine, a lighter car, 22 cars and a new cost cap: a summary of what changes, with links to each topic.
Summary
- DRS disappears: active aerodynamics and overtake mode replace it.
- The power unit loses the MGU-H, the MGU-K goes from 120 to 350 kW and the fuel is 100% sustainable.
- The car is shorter and lighter (minimum weight of 768 kg), there are 22 cars on the grid and the cost cap is 215 million dollars.
Step by step
No DRS: active aerodynamics
The wings switch on their own between low drag (straights) and high downforce (corners), and overtake mode gives the chaser extra electrical energy.
A more electric engine
The 1.6-litre turbo V6 stays, the MGU-H disappears, the MGU-K goes from 120 to 350 kW and the fuel is 100% sustainable.
The floor and ground effect
The floor tunnels disappear: the floor is flatter and the rear diffuser much bigger.
A smaller, lighter car
200 mm less wheelbase, a floor 100 mm narrower, thinner tyres and a minimum weight from 800 to 768 kg.
22 cars and new qualifying
With 22 cars, Q1 eliminates 6 drivers, Q2 another 6 and 10 fight for pole.
A cost cap of 215 million
The cap rises to 215 million dollars because it now includes costs that used to be left out; engines have a separate limit.
Where to see it on Formuradar
Did you get it?
Glossary
- Active aerodynamics
- Front and rear wings that move on their own between a low-drag position (straights) and a high-downforce one (corners). One of the 2026 novelties.
- Overtake mode
- Extra electrical energy the chasing car can use when within one second of the car ahead at the detection point. It replaces DRS in 2026.
- MGU-K
- An electric motor-generator linked to the crankshaft: it recovers energy under braking and returns it as extra power. In 2026 it goes from 120 to 350 kW.
- MGU-H
- A motor-generator that recovered energy from the heat of the turbo's exhaust gases. It disappears from the 2026 power units.
- Cost cap
- A ceiling on the money a team can spend per year on most of what it costs to build and run the car. Drivers' salaries, for example, are left out.
Sources
- In 2026 the front and rear wings switch on their own between a low-drag configuration and a high-downforce one; overtake mode replaces DRS. The Race · Boost, overtake mode, active aero: key 2026 terms explained
- The power unit keeps the 1.6-litre turbo V6, removes the MGU-H and the MGU-K goes from 120 to 350 kW. Formula1.com · 2026 regulations explained: all you need to know about F1's new power units
- The wheelbase is 200 mm shorter, the floor 100 mm narrower and the minimum weight drops from 800 to 768 kg (other sources give slightly different figures: it is explained on each topic's page). Formula1.com · 2026 regulations explained: all you need to know about F1's new aerodynamics
- With 22 cars, Q1 eliminates the 6 slowest, Q2 another 6 and 10 fight for pole. The Race · How will F1 qualifying work in 2026?
- The 2026 cost cap is 215 million dollars. Formula1.com · Explained: what is the F1 cost cap and why has it gone up?
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. Valid for: 2026 regulations. The explanations are popular-level: for the exact rules, check the FIA sporting regulations.
Keep learning
DRS disappears in 2026. Active aerodynamics and overtake mode replace it: what DRS did, what replaces it and how overtaking changes.
The turbo V6 stays, but the MGU-H disappears, the MGU-K triples its power and the fuel becomes 100% sustainable. What changes in the power unit.
The floor tunnels glued the car to the tarmac from 2022 to 2025. In 2026 they disappear: the floor is flatter and the diffuser much bigger. What it is, how it works and what makes up for it.
Shorter, narrower and lighter: 200 mm less wheelbase, thinner tyres and 32 kg less minimum weight. The measurements that change in 2026.
Teams cannot spend whatever they want. 215 million dollars in 2026: what counts, what does not and why it has gone up.
The 2026 qualifying in three rounds: with 22 cars, Q1 eliminates 6, Q2 another 6 and 10 fight for pole. And what changes between the grid and the first lap.