Formula 1 isn’t just about speed and drama on the track; it’s about big changes and bigger debates off it. Lately, everyone’s been talking about the 2026 F1 regulations. These new rules come stamped with the approval of Stefano Domenicali, the boss of F1, who fully supports FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s vision. He’s gone as far as to say the suggested changes “make total sense”, but what exactly are these changes, why are some folks unhappy, and what did Domenicali actually say? Let’s break it down for you.
What Are the 2026 F1 Regulation Changes?
The 2026 F1 regulation changes are a massive shake-up for F1, think lighter cars, smarter engines, and tons more green tech. Here’s what’s coming:
Lighter and Smaller Cars: Cars will be lighter by 30kg and smaller overall. The new max wheelbase is down to 3,400mm (cut by 200mm), and the width is now 1,900mm (down by 100mm). The goal? More nimble, agile racing, think closer battles, proper wheel-to-wheel stuff.
New Engine Formula: The engines stay turbo V6s, but MGU-H (a heat recovery tech) gets ditched. Instead, the electrical part gets a huge boost (MGU-K goes up to 470bhp, almost tripling its power), making battery management absolutely massive. Internal combustion horsepower is dialed down, but energy recovery during braking is doubled, and everything runs on 100% sustainable fuels.
Active Aero and Manual Override: Expect ‘active aerodynamics’, think adjustable wings for less drag on straights, plus a new manual override (battery boost) for extra overtakes when chasing someone down.
Commitment to Sustainability: All engines must use fully sustainable fuels. That’s a big leap for F1’s green goals.
What’s the Criticism?
Not everyone’s waving flags for these 2026 F1 regulation changes. Some teams and drivers have voiced serious doubts:
Loss of Downforce and Grip: Downforce drops by about 30%, meaning less grip. Several drivers, including Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc, say the cars just aren’t as fun, they’re harder to drive, and less thrilling in corners.
Worried About the “Science Project”: Some say F1 feels less like a pure racing series and more like a tech lab: too much focus on batteries, electrical power, and managing energy. Stroll even called it “a bit sad,” wishing for simpler, faster cars.
Overtaking Concerns: The new ‘override boost’ and active aero sound great, but critics argue they might not be enough to make passing easier, especially as the battery boost only kicks in at top speeds, which doesn’t apply everywhere.
Sound and Feel: The engines will be quieter due to the tech changes and smaller fuel tanks. Traditionalists aren’t happy about that.
What Does Stefano Domenicali Think?
While the paddock debates, Stefano Domenicali stands firm behind Ben Sulayem’s plan and the 2026 F1 regulations.
Domenicali says that the move towards standard, sustainable fuels is a logical and much-needed step for F1. “It’s a little bit more complicated. If in principle, it would make total sense,” he explained.
Stefano Domenicali also added, “Sustainable fuel, V8, I think is great, and hybridisation is, I do believe, the next step of the future. But I don’t want to take away the focus of next year’s generation, regulation, or power unit, because it would be wrong. So, let’s stay focused on what has to be developed for the next couple of years, and then I think that’s the future, I agree.”
Also read: Everything New At F1 2026: All The Rules Explained
