NOS Sport•
This will all change for Formula 1 cars in 2026
Next year, Formula 1 cars will have a number of new buttons on the drivers’ steering wheels. For example, Max Verstappen and his competitors can boost activate: increase the power at the touch of a button to overtake another car.
The boost button is an important part of the extensive rule changes in the premier class of motorsport. Formula 1 previously announced that the most drastic adjustments in more than a decade will be implemented in 2026.
The aim of the changes is more overtaking and fewer emissions during the races. Today Formula 1 shows for the first time what the new cars will look like.
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The boost mode can be activated with a button on the steering wheel -
The car is shorter, narrower and lighter than last year
The car is smaller, narrower and lighter than before. This should promote overtaking.
Different buttons
Another new feature is that drivers can adjust the front and rear wings differently during the race. At the touch of a button they can open and close the wings for more grip in the corners and a higher top speed on the long stretches. Active aero is called the novelty.
In addition to the previously mentioned boost button, there is also one overtakemode, for temporary extra power if a car moves within one second of its predecessor. This replaces the DRS, the overtaking system with the folding rear wing that was used in recent years.
The boost button and overtake button have limited use. The new cars have a button to recharge the battery (recharge button). This can be achieved by taking off the gas earlier at certain times.
The electric motor will therefore play a greater role in the new F1 car than before. It will now supply half of the power, while the other half still comes from fuel. A new, more sustainable fuel is used for this.
