F1 2026: What are the new regulations, engine changes and how will the racing be with no DRS:
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...hanges-and-how-will-the-racing-be-with-no-drs
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What is changing to the power units?
F1's new power units will rely more on electrical energy, which will see a 50-50 split between electric power and the internal combustion engine, with nearly a 300 per cent increase in electrical power. The engine itself is still the same 1.6-litre V6 turbo that has been used since 2014 but all the bits around that have changed, including the disappearance of the MGU-H. All this means we are likely to see disparity between the best and worst power units. Expect varying levels of power and the return of unreliability, particularly in the early races.
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Teams and engine suppliers
Due to the regulation changes which will continue to be somewhat road relevant, Audi will join the grid as they take over Sauber, Honda will remain in the sport and Ford will be an engine supplier in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains.
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No more DRS, introducing X and Z modes
From 2026, DRS will be replaced by a 'manual override engine mode' which provides a temporary boost in hybrid power. When the cars are at around 200mph, the speed will taper off due to the new engines, but the override button will give drivers more electrical power for longer. This will likely only be allowed when a car is within one second of another.
In addition, the cars will have two states at all times: 'Z-mode' and 'X-mode'.
Z-mode means the front and rear wings are closed which generates more downforce for the corners. In X-mode, the drivers can open the flaps which will reduce drag and increase speed.
X-mode will only be allowed at certain points of the track and is likely to be forbidden in wet conditions.
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How fast will the cars be?
It is expected the new cars will be around two seconds slower than the 2025 cars, depending on track characteristics.
Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar suggested the cars will be "closer to an F2", though it was unclear whether he meant pace or handling-wise. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis says any comments about Formula 2 pace are "way off the mark".
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Smaller cars and tyres, sustainable fuel, budget cap increase
The 2026 cars will be 20cm smaller in length and 10cm in width to a 3.4m wheelbase and 1.9m wide. The car weight has also been reduced by 30kg to 768kg. These new measurements should also help with the racing.
Pirelli have also reduced their tyre width by 2.5cm on the front and 3cm on the rear, although the 18-inch diameter will remain. ..."