Hey there, today’s the day in Montreal when F1 boss Stefano Domenicali and fellow Formula 1 execs are sitting down to hash out the 2026 rule changes. This shindig is all about calming the nerves over the major changes that are looming large for 2026.
The 2022 rules brought about some massive alterations to car and engine designs and totally flipped the engineering script for Formula 1. Fast forward to 2026, and the plan is to shake up aerodynamics and make power units more efficient. But, teams are getting a bit antsy about keeping up speed with a decrease in downforce in the cards.
The proposed design is no walk in the park. The debate is how to balance power unit and battery reliability. If the juice tanks can’t keep up, teams might have to switch up their race strategies.
The FIA wants teams to shed 30 kilograms despite adding heavier batteries. Teams are side-eyeing the cost implications of this switch to more advanced materials and tech.
One exciting feature up for discussion is active aerodynamics. Teams are pumped for the “Z mode” for extra downforce and the “X mode” for less drag.
The clock is ticking as the FIA aims to lock in these new rules by month-end. Missing the June 30 deadline could throw a wrench in the works, unless all teams can agree unanimously—an FIA rule under Article 18.2.4.
Some want to push back the deadline to October for tweaks, while others prefer sticking to the original timetable.
During the Canada Driver’s Press Conference, Lewis Hamilton gave his take on the changes, saying, “It’s slow, according to drivers I’ve talked to who’ve driven the car on a simulator. We will then see if it is the correct direction.”
The move towards sustainable driving with the power units is a big plus. Hamilton added, “It’s crucial that cars are efficient and quick, it is a positive step, but also improve racing.”
At the same press event, Williams’ Alex Albon chimed in, mentioning, “I haven’t done any work. Our sim team has done some work but I myself have not.”
There’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes to ensure straight-line speed doesn’t take a nosedive. It’s clear that there’s still more work cut out to get everything just right.
By the way, if you happen to glimpse some different track markings, it’s a telltale sign that things are gearing up for change in the world of F1!