Side-by-Side Comparison
2025 vs 2026
F1 Car
Everything that's changing — power units, aerodynamics, dimensions, and what it means for racing.
Car Profiles
Note the narrower body, slimmer sidepods and active wings on the 2026 car
Width
2,000 mm
1,900 mm
Weight
798 kg
768 kg
Wheelbase
~3,600 mm
3,400 mm
Power Unit Breakdown
Where the horsepower comes from
2025 Power Unit
ICE
~840hp
~840hp
80%
MGU-K
160hp
160hp
20%
MGU-H
Assists
Assists
Total: ~1,000 hp
2026 Power Unit
ICE
~650hp
~650hp
50%
MGU-K
350hp
350hp
50%
MGU-H
REMOVED
REMOVED
✗ Eliminated in 2026
Total: ~1,000 hp
Key takeaway:Total power stays ~1,000hp — but electric share doubles from 20% to 50%. Instant torque, more overtaking.
Aerodynamics
From passive DRS to a fully active aero system
2025 Aero System
DRS
Rear flap opens on straights
Fixed Front
No front wing adjustment
No Overtake Mode
Push to pass via tow only
2026 Aero System
X-Mode
Low drag on straights
Z-Mode
High downforce in corners
Overtake Mode
Power boost when chasing
Full Specification Comparison
Select a category to explore
Spec
2025
2026
Change
Engine
1.6L V6 Turbo
1.6L V6 Turbo (redesigned)
Total Power
~1,000 hp
~1,000 hp
Combustion Power
~840 hp (80%)
~650 hp (50%)
Electric Power
~160 hp (20%)
~350 hp (50%)
MGU-H
✅ Present
❌ Removed
MGU-K
160 hp
350 hp (2× stronger)
Fuel Type
Conventional (E10)
100% Sustainable
Energy Recovery
Braking + heat (MGU-K + MGU-H)
Braking only (MGU-K)
Improvement / New Removed / Reduced Unchanged
The 6 Biggest Changes Explained
Tap each card to learn more
2025: 20% electric2026: 50% electric
In 2025, combustion does ~80% of the work. In 2026, it's exactly 50/50. The electric motor goes from 160hp to 350hp — that's over double.
What Does This Mean for Racing?
More Overtaking
Reduced dirty air + active aero + Overtake Mode = genuinely more passing moves, not just DRS flyby's.
Faster Acceleration
Double the electric torque means explosive acceleration out of corners — especially visible at low-speed hairpins.
More Agile Cars
30kg lighter and 10cm narrower means better handling, especially on tight street circuits like Monaco.
Strategic Aero Choices
Drivers now manage aero modes mid-race. Wrong mode at wrong time = lost positions. New tactical layer.
Greener Racing
100% sustainable fuel without any performance penalty. F1 proves clean fuel can be fast fuel.
New Manufacturers
Audi + Ford back in F1. Road-relevant tech attracts carmakers. More competition, more investment.
📺 Watch: 2026 Car Explainers
Official Formula 1 videos
One-Minute Cheat Sheet
Electric power160hp → 350hp (×2.2)
ICE power share80% → 50%
MGU-HPresent → Gone
DRSOld style → Replaced
Front wingFixed → Active
Car weight798kg → 768kg
Car width2,000mm → 1,900mm
FuelE10 → 100% sustainable
Overtake modeNone → New system
New manufacturersFord returns, Audi debuts