Formula 1 is set to undergo its most significant technical revolution in decades with the introduction of sweeping regulations for the 2026 season, including unprecedented power restrictions designed to maintain safety while pushing the boundaries of speed.
The new regulations will see F1 cars potentially reach speeds of up to 248mph, making the 2026 grid the fastest in the sport's history.
However, the FIA has implemented comprehensive safety measures to manage these extreme velocities.
The electrical system power will nearly triple from the current 120kW to 350kW, generating approximately 475 brake horsepower.
When combined with the internal combustion engine's output of 540-580 bhp, cars could produce well over 1,000 brake horsepower at full power.
To address safety concerns, the FIA has introduced reduced power modes called 'Rev1 mode' specifically for the Monaco and Singapore Grands Prix, where the narrow street circuits pose additional risks at such high speeds.
This system will be available to all drivers in both standard and override modes, while full power remains accessible at all other circuits.
The regulations also include sophisticated energy management systems, with different megajoule allocations for practice, qualifying, and race sessions depending on the circuit characteristics.
For example, at 12 of the 24 tracks including the new Madrid venue, Spa, and Suzuka, nine megajoules of energy will be available across practice and qualifying, with up to 8.5MJ available during races.
The FIA continues to balance the pursuit of spectacular racing with driver safety, implementing these measures while maintaining the excitement that defines Formula 1.
The new regulations will see F1 cars potentially reach speeds of up to 248mph, making the 2026 grid the fastest in the sport's history.
However, the FIA has implemented comprehensive safety measures to manage these extreme velocities.
The electrical system power will nearly triple from the current 120kW to 350kW, generating approximately 475 brake horsepower.
When combined with the internal combustion engine's output of 540-580 bhp, cars could produce well over 1,000 brake horsepower at full power.
To address safety concerns, the FIA has introduced reduced power modes called 'Rev1 mode' specifically for the Monaco and Singapore Grands Prix, where the narrow street circuits pose additional risks at such high speeds.
This system will be available to all drivers in both standard and override modes, while full power remains accessible at all other circuits.
The regulations also include sophisticated energy management systems, with different megajoule allocations for practice, qualifying, and race sessions depending on the circuit characteristics.
For example, at 12 of the 24 tracks including the new Madrid venue, Spa, and Suzuka, nine megajoules of energy will be available across practice and qualifying, with up to 8.5MJ available during races.
The FIA continues to balance the pursuit of spectacular racing with driver safety, implementing these measures while maintaining the excitement that defines Formula 1.
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