F1 Formula 1 - 2026 Season

[TopspeedPT]

 

[TopspeedPT]

EXCLUSIVE: Lando Norris confirms he'll take number 1 for 2026 season

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[Swissbob]

Terrible engines, this I don’t look forward.

 

[TopspeedPT]

Yeah. 50% ICE 50% electric will be a flop IMO. Drivers will need to LICO on the straights.
Cars are slightly smaller thought. That's good.



No more DRS, introducing X and Z modes

From 2026, DRS will be replaced by a 'manual override engine mode' which provides a temporary boost in hybrid power. When the cars are at around 200mph, the speed will taper off due to the new engines, but the override button will give drivers more electrical power for longer. This will likely only be allowed when a car is within one second of another.

In addition, the cars will have two states at all times: 'Z-mode' and 'X-mode'.

Z-mode means the front and rear wings are closed which generates more downforce for the corners. In X-mode, the drivers can open the flaps which will reduce drag and increase speed.

X-mode will only be allowed at certain points of the track and is likely to be forbidden in wet conditions.

Link

Drivers can then switch to X-mode, which is a low-drag configuration that sees the flap angle change on both the front and rear wing to maximise straight-line speed.

Link

 

[TopspeedPT]

New prototype front wing:

 

[Big Sam]

"X-Mode" sounds an awful lot like DRS to me.

 

[TopspeedPT]

Yeah. But this time it seems like everyone can use it at any time in certain zones.
It's like in Qualifying today.

 

[Big Sam]

Yeah. But this time it seems like everyone can use it at any time in certain zones.
It's like in Qualifying today.

Being able to use it at any time doesn't stop it being a drag reduction system.

 

[kiki voinea]

What if : This reduction in ICE motor will further reduce the number of people going to the races ( this year it was a decline ,in most races ) . And Liberty Media will take note of this , and bring back the V8 , so that they could boost the fans again

What if....

 

[Design FIRST]

I stopped following F1 sometime back in 2022 following decades of being an avid fan.

Maybe I'll start casually checking it out again in 2026. Audi, Red Bull-Ford Powertrain and seeing if Lando Norris can defend his title could pique my interest.

 

[TopspeedPT]

Being able to use it at any time doesn't stop it being a drag reduction system.

I agree. I don't understand why they changed the name.

 

[TopspeedPT]

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[Swissbob]

It sounds a little bit lower pitched than before, may be they rev really a little bit less.

 

[Sunny]

Being able to use it at any time doesn't stop it being a drag reduction system.

It is still a drag reduction system. But not used as an overtaking aid anymore, but to increase the car's efficiency/performance. For overtaking, there is the "manual override mode" (MOM!) - which is now a power boost like the old KERS but more powerful - allows you to continue using full 350kw of MGU-K power beyond 290 km/h and 0.5 MJ extra regen for that lap.

AI gen summary -

Key Features and Mechanics of the MOM

• Activation Criteria: A driver can activate the mode when they are within one second of the car in front, similar to the current DRS rules.
• Power Advantage: The core of the system is a power differential at high speeds.
  • Leading Car (Standard Mode): The car in front will have its electrical power deployment begin to taper off after 290 km/h (approx. 180 mph) and cease entirely at 355 km/h (approx. 220 mph).
  • Chasing Car (MOM Activated): The driver in the chasing car can use the override to maintain the full 350 kW (around 470 bhp) of electrical power for longer, specifically up to 337 km/h, and a higher power output as it reaches 355 km/h.
• Energy Management: The override gives the chasing car access to an extra 0.5 Megajoules (MJ) of energy for that specific lap compared to the car in front. The driver must strategically manage their overall 8.5 MJ of recoverable energy per lap to ensure they have this extra boost available when needed.

Good article on 2026 rules - https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-2026-overtaking-changes-risks/

 

[tristatez28lt1]

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Audi Revolut F1 Team

Audi Revolut F1 Team race livery to be revealed on January 20, 2026 in Berlin

Audi Revolut F1 Team reveals official name and Berlin launch date

The Audi Revolut F1 Team has unveiled its official name, logo, and announced that its global launch will take place in Berlin on January 20, 2026. This milestone marks a significant step for the Audi Revolut F1 Team toward joining the Formula One World Championship in 2026. The team name and...

www.audi-mediacenter.com

 

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[mihc]

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Fantastic circuit.