Everything your mum needs to know — no engineering degree required
The engines still have a 1.6L V6 petrol core, but the electric motor is now three times as powerful. For the first time ever, electric and petrol contribute equally — a genuine 50/50 split. The cars are actually more powerful overall.
Power UnitThe front and rear wings can be opened and closed by the driver to control the car's speed and grip. On straights, the driver activates Straight Line Mode to flatten the wings and cut through the air faster. Through corners they switch to Corner Mode, tilting the wings back up to grip the road.
Active AeroAll cars must use 100% Advanced Sustainable Fuel — made from things like captured carbon, municipal waste and plant matter. It doesn't hurt performance, but it's a big step towards F1's goal of being net-zero carbon by 2030.
SustainabilityThe cars are shorter, narrower and 30kg lighter. This makes them more nimble and easier to handle, especially on tight street circuits like Monaco. Drivers say they feel noticeably more responsive than last year's cars.
ChassisDrivers can press a button to unleash extra electric power whenever they like — for attacking, defending, or just going faster. They can use it all at once or spread it across the lap.
If a car gets within 1 second of the car ahead, it gains extra electric power for a whole lap. It's like a turbo boost for overtaking — replacing the old DRS system.
Drivers must think carefully about when to charge their battery and when to spend the power. When they lift off the throttle, the car recharges — but there's also a sneakier way called Super Clipping (see below).
The big talking point of 2026. The car harvests battery power even when the driver is flat out on the accelerator — siphoning energy away from the wheels. The result? The car visibly slows down on a straight even though the driver hasn't lifted. Drivers hate it, fans find it confusing, but it's here to stay.
Cadillac (yes, the American car brand!) join as the 11th team, bringing the grid to 22 cars. Audi have also joined as an engine manufacturer for the first time. Ford are back too, supplying Red Bull's engines. Meanwhile Honda have moved from Red Bull to exclusively power Aston Martin.
Because 2026 is such a massive rule change, the FIA introduced a safety net called ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) — designed to stop one engine manufacturer running away with it like Mercedes did in 2014.
Three times during the season (after races 6, 12 and 18), the FIA measures every engine against the fastest one on the grid. If a manufacturer is 2–4% behind, they get one extra upgrade chance. If they're 4%+ behind, they get two — plus extra test bench time and cost cap relief.
Who's in line? Honda (Aston Martin) are struggling badly and expected to qualify for maximum upgrades. Audi are also likely to qualify. Red Bull are hoping to qualify too. Mercedes — whose engine is the benchmark — get nothing. Ferrari are watching nervously.