F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA aims for 50kg weight cut for next-generation F1 cars

Formula 1 will undergo another technical regulation overhaul for 2026 and one of the primary objectives of the FIA is to reduce both the size and weight of the sport's next-generation machines.

As part of F1 and the governing body's efforts to formulate a comprehensive framework that will govern Grand Prix racing's future chassis regulations, a plan to introduce active aerodynamics has been defined.

But along with the latter, a more profound transformation will take place involving the dimensions and width of F1's future cars.

According to Nikolas Tombazis, the head of single-seaters at the FIA, F1's contenders will become shorter, narrower, and lighter from 2026.

"With the dimensions of the wheels, which will be narrower, plus with the rear wing and the car in general, we aim to reduce the weight of the cars by around 50kg," Tombazis told Motorsport.com's Italian affiliate.

"So, it will be possible to see smaller single-seater cars: shorter and narrower. But we are talking about solutions that still need to be discussed.

"With the car on a diet, we will be able to reduce the cornering speeds a bit. Being lighter, they will go faster in a straight line, but will generate less aerodynamic load.

"So, we will need to increase the hybrid’s energy recovery to ensure adequate lap performance."

Tombazis assured that the FIA's focus was on implementing a new regulation that would benefit the show on the track.

"A lot of work has been done to understand how energy recovery and management will have to be done, and how overtaking can be done based on the aerodynamic configuration," he added.

"We have carried out many simulations by changing these parameters and we have found solutions that seem to work adequately."

Earlier this summer, championship leader Max Verstappen blasted F1's prospective 2026 rules based on his early impressions of Red Bull's interpretation of the regs as experienced in the team's simulator.

But Tombazis argued that early concerns about the performance of F1's 2026 cars and their increased reliance on the battery power were not based on up-to-date sim data.

"If one took the 2026 power units and mounted them on the current cars, probably the result would be the scenario put forward by those who were worried," he said.

"But in recent months, we have collected a series of very positive developments, so the comments express old positions.

"We also need to take into account that the engine and chassis will have to evolve together, and it will not be possible to think of one without the other."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

The day Red Bull signed up its most prized possession

On this day in 2005, Red Bull Racing added a top-level recruit to its ranks,…

1 hour ago

Ferrari partners with IBM to revolutionize fan experience in F1

Ferrari has announced a major multi-year partnership with global technology powerhouse IBM, set to begin…

2 hours ago

Formula 1 primary revenue slips in Q3 but record year in sight

Formula 1 has released its financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year…

4 hours ago

Williams scrambling to recover after devastating F1 crash run

Williams has been left reeling after a crash-laden two-week run in Mexico and in Brazil…

5 hours ago

Briatore praises Alpine for perfect storm in Brazil – counts the cash

Flavio Briatore, was full of praise for Alpine's stunning performance in last weekend’s Sao Paulo…

20 hours ago

Binotto: Fantastic Bortoleto a ‘no-brainer’ for Audi F1 project

Sauber F1 boss Mattia Binotto has lifted the lid on the team's decision to recruit…

21 hours ago