Facts and Stats: Chassis Regulation Changes

F1 is a sport defined by technological evolution. Every few years, the rulebook is rewritten, and with it, the cars themselves. The 2026 season marks one of the most significant overhauls to the chassis regulations in recent memory, ushering in a new generation of lighter and more agile, machines.

As part of the 2026 regulations, the FIA has introduced a sweeping set of changes to the chassis design. These updates complement the new power unit regulations and aim to redefine racing in F1.

Let’s break down the key facts and stats behind the 2026 chassis regulation changes.

Smaller, Lighter, More Nimble

The 2026 cars will be 30kg lighter than their predecessors, with a new minimum weight of 768kg. The cars are also reducing in size, with these dimensional changes implemented with the hope of making the cars smaller, lighter, and nimbler, aiming to enhance wheel-to-wheel racing.

Weight reduction: 30kg

Wheelbase: Shortened by 200mm

Width: Narrowed by 100mm

Tyres and Wheels

While the 18-inch wheel size remains, tyre dimensions have been adjusted:

Front Tyres: Width reduced by 25mm

Rear Tyres: Width reduced by 30mm

These changes help reduce overall mass and improve balance, contributing to the nimble car concept.

Aerodynamic Overhaul

Downforce and drag have been significantly reduced to improve raceability, with simplified floors that feature less Venturi tunnel structures on the current, complicated floor designs.

This means less reliance on ground effect and more emphasis on clever aerodynamic design.

Active Aerodynamics

One of the most revolutionary changes is the introduction of active aero systems. While the current DRS (Drag Reduction System) sees the opening of the rear wing on designated straights reduces drag to afford increased speeds, active aero introduces a DRS-style movable flaps on the front wings of the car too.

This dual-wing Active Aerodynamics system replaces the traditional DRS and will be available in designated areas, regardless of how close you are to the car in front, not just those within one second of a rival required to activate DRS.

THREE KEY CAR MODES

When it comes to the use of the car’s improved electrical energy systems, there are three major modes.

OVERTAKE MODE

To further boost overtaking opportunities, the new OVERTAKE mode has been introduced. This system ensures that drivers have a tactical tool to challenge rivals, allowing drivers that are within a second of the car in front to deploy additional electrical energy to instigate an overtake.

BOOST MODE

This is the driver-operated ERS deployment to use however they see fit, at any time on the track. This can be used both offensively or defensively.

RECHARGE MODE

RECHARGE MODE refers to the recharging of the car’s battery through the collection of kinetic energy, such as braking.

Safety Enhancements

Despite the weight reduction, safety has not been compromised. Indeed, further impact structure reinforcement has been introduced for 2026.

Stronger Structures: Reinforced chassis and crash zones

Tougher Tests: New standards for impact resistance

Two-Stage Nose Design: Reduces detachment risk during collisions

A New Era Begins

The 2026 chassis regulations are more than just a technical refresh—they represent a philosophical shift in how F1 cars are designed and raced. By prioritising agility, sustainability, and overtaking, the sport aims to deliver a spectacle that’s more exciting for fans and more relevant for the future of mobility.

As we count down to the new season, teams are already deep into development, preparing to unveil a new generation of F1 machinery.