The Chief Technology Officer of Formula 1, Pat Symonds, has expressed the desire for the series to reduce aerodynamic pressure on cars for the upcoming technical regulations in 2026. The regulations for the power unit in 2026 have already been finalized. The 1.6-liter turbo V6 internal combustion engine (ICE) will be fully powered by sustainable fuel, with a greater emphasis on hybridization. Plans to increase electrical power output through the MGU-K system will result in a more balanced power split between the ICE and electrical components. Symonds stated in an interview on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast that the goal is to have over 1,000 horsepower in the 2026 car, with a significant portion coming from the electric motor.
Symonds is also eager to reduce aerodynamic pressure on the next generation F1 cars, as well as decrease their weight and size. He explained: “We want to reduce the aerodynamic pressure on the car. Current cars are excessively heavy due to the amount of load they need to support, resulting in reduced maneuverability.” Critics argue that the current weight and size of cars contribute to poor races and make overtaking opportunities more difficult. The current minimum weight of cars is nearly 800 kg, significantly higher than the 620 kg weight when refueling was banned in 2010, and the 690 kg weight in 2014 when hybrid power units were introduced. Additionally, current cars measure approximately 5.63 m in length and 2 m in width. This is roughly one meter longer than the last refueling F1 cars in 2009 and 0.6 m longer than the first hybrid F1 cars from 2014 to 2016.
Nikolas Tombazis, director of single-seaters at the FIA, stated last year that the goal is to reduce the weight of cars by 50 kg and expects to see smaller single-seaters in the future. The aim is to have shorter and narrower cars. Theoretically, smaller and lighter cars will increase overtaking opportunities. Symonds also believes that reducing aerodynamics and increasing power will place more emphasis on the skills of the drivers. Some argue that the current generation of F1 cars with high downforce and aerodynamic pressure are too easy to drive. Former team owner Eddie Jordan expressed this view on the Formula for Success podcast, citing the impressive but unexpected debut of F2 star Ollie Bearman in F1 as evidence. Jordan stated: “This suggests to me that cars are much easier to drive compared to how they used to be.” Symonds believes that the next generation of cars will be more challenging to drive, allowing drivers to shine.
He emphasized: “This is crucial. We want to promote the drivers as the heroes, the superheroes of the sport. Therefore, I believe we are heading in the right direction.”
