F1 2026 overhaul puts batteries at the center
Mar 10th 2026
Major 2026 rule changes shrink the cars and move to a 50:50 engine-battery power split with a driver boost button, forcing continuous energy management and reshaping teams and the calendar.
- Cars are shorter, narrower and lighter with slimmer tires and a flat underbody.
- Powertrains keep a 1.6-liter V6 turbo but now split power 50:50 between engine and battery.
- Drivers get a boost button instead of DRS and can switch wings between corner mode and straight mode.
- Races now require continuous energy harvesting and management through braking, lift-and-coast and engine braking, with no single charge lasting a race.
- Some drivers criticized the changes, with Max Verstappen calling it "Formula E on steroids" and Lewis Hamilton warning fans may not understand the new energy rules.
- Aston Martin reported severe vibrations from the new unit and plans to limit laps while they investigate.
- Audi enters the grid after taking over Sauber and Cadillac joins as the 11th team using a Ferrari engine, while 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad debuts for Racing Bulls.
- The calendar stays at 24 races from March 8 in Melbourne to December 6 in Abu Dhabi, with a new Madrid street circuit replacing Imola and Barcelona possibly leaving after 2026.