FIA predicts F1 times up to 2.5s slower in 2026, promises competitive balance

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) unveiled, on August 18, 2025, the details of the new Formula 1 technical regulations, set to take effect in 2026, in Rio de Janeiro. The changes promise to significantly alter the category’s dynamics, with cars up to 2.5 seconds slower per lap, according to initial simulations. Led by Nikolas Tombazis, director of single-seaters, the FIA is working on adjustments to ensure greater balance among teams, eliminating the DRS system and introducing movable front wings and hybrid engines without the MGU-H. The changes aim to promote more competitive and sustainable races but have already sparked debates among fans and teams. The FIA expects rapid car development to minimize the impact of the speed reduction.

The new technical regulations are in the final stages of refinement, based on feedback from teams and drivers. Simulations indicate lap times may increase by up to two and a half seconds, but the FIA believes the impact will be temporary. The changes include smaller cars, with a 30 kg reduction in minimum weight and aerodynamic design modifications, such as partially flat floors.

• Key changes planned: Weight reduction to 768 kg, elimination of DRS, and introduction of movable front wings.
• Sustainability focus: Use of 100% sustainable fuels and increased electric power to 350 kW.
• Expected impact: More competitive races with greater team balance.

Teams are already testing new designs in simulators, while the FIA awaits complete downforce data to assess the cars’ initial performance.

New car features for 2026

The 2026 technical changes represent one of the most significant overhauls in recent Formula 1 history. Cars will have a more compact design, with a 200 mm reduction in wheelbase and 100 mm in width, making them more agile. The elimination of the DRS system, which reduced drag on straights, will be replaced by movable front and rear wings, alternating between high-grip (Z-mode) for corners and low-drag (X-mode) for straights.

A 30% reduction in downforce and 55% in drag aims to facilitate overtaking but may affect top speed. The FIA also introduced a new overtaking system, called Manual Override Mode (MOM), providing an electric boost of up to 350 kW when a driver is within one second of the car ahead.

• Smaller size: Wheelbase reduced to 3400 mm and width to 1900 mm.
• Active aerodynamics: Movable wings replace DRS, with two operating modes.
• Manual Override Mode: Electric boost for dynamic overtaking.
• Weight reduction: Cars 30 kg lighter, totaling 768 kg.

Simulator testing has begun, with drivers providing critical data for final adjustments. The expectation is that teams will quickly adapt the new designs, narrowing the performance gap throughout the season.

Hybrid engines and sustainability focus

Formula 1 will retain its 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid engines but with significant changes starting in 2026. The elimination of the MGU-H, which recovered energy from exhaust heat, simplifies the power units and reduces costs. In contrast, the MGU-K, responsible for kinetic energy recovery, will have its power tripled, increasing from 120 kW to 350 kW, balancing thermal and electric power at 50/50.

The use of 100% sustainable fuels, produced from non-fossil sources, reinforces the category’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. The FIA also imposed stricter energy flow limits, with 3000 megajoules per hour, encouraging greater energy recovery efficiency.

• Simplified engines: Elimination of MGU-H to reduce costs and complexity.
• Increased electric power: MGU-K with 350 kW, nearly three times the current output.
• Sustainable fuel: 100% carbon-neutral, aligned with the 2030 goal.
• Energy limit: 3000 MJ/h for improved energy efficiency.

These changes have attracted new manufacturers, such as Audi and Ford (in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains), while keeping Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, and Honda in the category.

Competitive balance as a priority

The FIA is focused on reducing disparities between teams, especially with the arrival of new engine manufacturers. Nikolas Tombazis emphasized that some teams may start 2026 at a disadvantage due to incomplete downforce data. To address this, the FIA will offer technical compensations, such as regulatory adjustments, to support teams with less competitive power units.

The initial speed reduction, estimated at 1 to 2.5 seconds per lap, does not concern the FIA. Tombazis argues that continuous car development, combined with the new aerodynamic rules, will ensure exciting races. The history of Formula 1 shows that temporary drops in lap times do not affect the sport’s appeal.

• Technical compensations: Support for teams with less developed power units.
• Rapid development: Expectation of performance recovery within months.
• Historical adaptation: Speed reductions have not harmed the sport in the past.

The FIA is collaborating with teams to refine the regulations until their final ratification, scheduled for 2026, ensuring the changes promote a more balanced grid.

Fan and public reactions

The announced changes have generated mixed reactions among fans and experts. Some fear that slower speeds will make races less exciting, while others praise the focus on sustainability and competitive balance. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president, urged fans to keep an open mind, noting that adjustments can be made after the first race of 2026.

Social media reflects the debate, with fans expressing concern that the new cars might resemble lower categories, such as Formula 2. However, Tombazis dismissed these comparisons, assuring that performance differences will be minimal and barely noticeable to spectators.

• Fan concerns: Fear of less exciting races due to reduced speed.
• FIA’s response: Assurance that the visual impact will be minimal.
• Future adjustments: Possibility of revisions after the 2026 season opener.
• Competition focus: New rules aim for a more balanced grid.

The category plans to monitor feedback from fans and drivers during 2025 testing, particularly with “mule cars” adapted to test 2026 components and tires.

Team preparations for the new regulations

Teams have already begun adapting to the new regulations, using simulators and tests with modified cars. The introduction of “mule cars,” vehicles adapted to test 2026 components, will allow teams to gather critical data before the season. Pirelli, the tire supplier, will also adjust tire dimensions, reducing front tire width by 25 mm and rear by 30 mm.

The FIA expects better-prepared teams, such as Ferrari and Mercedes, to lead initial development, while newcomers like Audi and Cadillac, the new grid team, may face early challenges. The FIA is committed to preventing dominance, as seen in recent seasons, promoting greater competitive diversity.

• Mule car testing: Adapted cars to test 2026 tires and components.
• New teams: Cadillac debuts as the 11th team, backed by General Motors.
• Tire adjustments: Reduced width for improved agility.
• Preventing dominance: Measures to balance the grid.

The 2025 season will be crucial for preparations, with intensive testing and collaboration between teams, the FIA, and Pirelli.