2026 F1 cars to be smaller with 40% downforce cut.

[John S]

Sure they can try to stop downforce, or even claim a massive drop but have they asked Adrian if he's retiring before 2026? 

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1037265/1/f1-2026-rule-details-emerge-smaller-cars-40-cent-less-downforce

[Andy B]

Also with less weight the aim is 50 kg but may only be 20 kg initially.

[cosworth151]

Hopefully the smaller cars will benefit the racing on tight circuits like Monaco.

[Willy]

Absolutely Cos.
Today's cars are much too long for Monaco.

[Andy B]

And wide!

[Jericoke]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't much of the cars' size to do with safety (crash structures, firewalls, fire suppression) and the hybrid power unit/cooling it requires?

I'm all for smaller cars, but not if they're going to be dangerous or less 'environmentally friendly'.

Maybe fix the steering lock issues that cause half the problem at Monaco?  Sure, most tracks don't need to navigate a tight hair pin, but is there a reason not to let the cars have a tight turning circle?

[John S]

Maybe fix the steering lock issues that cause half the problem at Monaco?  Sure, most tracks don't need to navigate a tight hair pin, but is there a reason not to let the cars have a tight turning circle?

'Simples' - tight turning not necessary at most tracks and anything unnecessary gets left off F1 cars.   
Oh and there's no 3-point turn in the Super Licence test. 

Same reason drivers were so exposed to heat in cockpit at last GP, no rule stipulating ventilation or even decent insulation from PU/ICE/MG heat - See as I said 'Simples!' ........... Or should that read just plain   

[Jericoke]

Maybe fix the steering lock issues that cause half the problem at Monaco?  Sure, most tracks don't need to navigate a tight hair pin, but is there a reason not to let the cars have a tight turning circle?

'Simples' - tight turning not necessary at most tracks and anything unnecessary gets left off F1 cars.   
Oh and there's no 3-point turn in the Super Licence test. 

Same reason drivers were so exposed to heat in cockpit at last GP, no rule stipulating ventilation or even decent insulation from PU/ICE/MG heat - See as I said 'Simples!' ........... Or should that read just plain 

That's what I'm saying: part of the 'formula' should be a minimum turning radius.  Of course teams aren't going to a put a single thing in the car they don't absolutely need to.

[Willy]

I would be surprised if the width and length of today's cars is all due to safety.
It is more likely all about downforce and aero.
A shorter vehicle will have much less then a longer or narrower one.
They will say it is all about safety but.... 

[Jericoke]

I would be surprised if the width and length of today's cars is all due to safety.
It is more likely all about downforce and aero.
A shorter vehicle will have much less then a longer or narrower one.
They will say it is all about safety but....

I completely forgot to be cynical:  bigger bill boards cars have more room for advertising.

The area allowed to be 'aerodynamic' is fairly limited, so a big car means more non aerodynamic.  (Of course, I assume the designers game the non aerodynamic surfaces to be aerodynamic, but that can't be in the minds of the rules drafters, unless the rules are written by aero guys*).  The ground effects are probably different though, a bigger floor will provide more down force, but I don't know how it relates with the over all size of the car.  Like if the car is 50% bigger does that mean 50% more downforce from the floor?  Or 70%?  Or 30%?

*Maybe the FIA should hire Newey to write the rules.  I bet he'd include some very difficult to find loopholes hoping someone can find them.

[cosworth151]

The larger F1 trucks cars arrived the same time as the hybrid power units and the larger, "no fuel stops" gas tanks. I always assumed that those two factors were the cause for the bloat.

[Jericoke]

The larger F1 trucks cars arrived the same time as the hybrid power units and the larger, "no fuel stops" gas tanks. I always assumed that those two factors were the cause for the bloat.

Well now that makes sense:

• Liberty is trying to increase the profile of F1 in the USA
• Americans drive trucks, not cars
• Evolve the F1 cars into trucks
• 2032:  F1 cars are required to have ornamental 'beds' like an American truck has

[John S]

The larger F1 trucks cars arrived the same time as the hybrid power units and the larger, "no fuel stops" gas tanks. I always assumed that those two factors were the cause for the bloat.

Well now that makes sense:

• Liberty is trying to increase the profile of F1 in the USA
• Americans drive trucks, not cars
• Evolve the F1 cars into trucks
• 2032:  F1 cars are required to have ornamental 'beds' like an American truck has

Ha Ha Ha! Jeri, very droll. 

Be more like an Aussie Ute than an American truck with new smaller dimensions.   



Small Aussie Ute. 

[Dare]

Not everyone in the US drives a truck believe
it or not even though I have one. I also drive a
Civic

[Jericoke]

Not everyone in the US drives a truck believe
it or not even though I have one. I also drive a
Civic

Isn't Louisville where trucks come from?  Is it safe to admit you drive a Civic?

(I am kidding, I really don't like that the American car companies have basically stopped selling cars in Canada/USA.  I drive an SUV, but I'm in a Ford family and the Mustang doesn't really suit my needs.  I'd have bought a Fusion or maybe a Taurus if I'd had the option)