Source: REUTERS/Claudia Greco
[Saba Sports News] The FIA announced the new technical regulations for the 2026 Formula 1 season on Thursday, signaling the start of a new era in the sport. The rule changes primarily focus on two major aspects: improving the viewing experience through increased overtaking opportunities and prioritizing energy conservation and environmental protection. The specific measures include the following: reducing the size of the racing car, decreasing the body width from 2 meters to 1.9 meters and the wheelbase from 3.6 meters to 3.4 meters; reducing the vehicle weight, with the lower limit reduced from the current 798kg to 768kg; simplifying the engine structure and increasing the proportion of motor power, utilizing the existing 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine while increasing the power of the kinetic energy recovery motor (MGU-K) and abandoning the complex heat energy recovery motor (MGU-H); reducing the width of the tires, using 18-inch tires with decreased width by 25mm for the front and 35mm for the rear wheels; introducing an active aerodynamic package, reducing the width of the floor plate by 150mm to decrease overall downforce by 30% and drag by 55%; and utilizing 100% biofuel with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Historical precedent shows that major rule changes in F1 often disrupt the existing competition order. We eagerly await to see who will emerge as the new dominant force after these rule changes.