Source:REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba Sports News] In an effort to disrupt the
technical advantages of certain dominant teams and promote a more competitive
landscape, the FIA has decided to implement significant changes to the power
unit regulations in Formula 1 racing cars starting from 2026. These new rules
are expected to bring about fundamental transformations in the sport. The FIA
has provided further details regarding the power unit in the revised
regulations, particularly focusing on weight restrictions. The internal
combustion engine will have a minimum weight limit of 130 kilograms, the
turbocharger of 12 kilograms, the MGU-K of 16 kilograms, and the battery
component of 35 kilograms. This will result in a power unit with a minimum
total weight of 193 kilograms, which is 23% higher than the current weight. The
change in weight will alter the distribution of the chassis’s center of
gravity, deviating significantly from the current configuration. Currently, an
F1 car weighs 798 kilograms, and the FIA aims to reduce the weight of the car
by at least 20 kilograms, with the ultimate goal of achieving a weight
reduction of 50 kilograms. However, the increased weight of the power unit
poses a significant challenge to this objective. Furthermore, the FIA has also
made adjustments to the size of the racing cars. According to reports from
British media, the width of the 2026 version of F1 cars will be reduced by 10
centimeters, from the current 200 centimeters to 190 centimeters. The wheelbase
will also be reduced from the current 3.60 meters to 3.40 meters. As the car
body becomes smaller, it is expected that the overall downforce will decrease
by over 40% compared to the current levels. Maximizing aerodynamic performance
under the new regulations will become the primary focus of research for each
team.