F1 Technology Hub
Deep dive into the engineering marvels of Formula 1. Updated for the major 2026 regulation overhaul.
How do F1 cars work?
Unlike road cars, F1 cars are designed for one thing: lap time. They use upside-down airplane wings (to push them into the ground), hybrid engines that harvest energy from braking, and tyres that are sticky like chewing gum.
What changed in 2026?
The sport is undergoing its biggest change in history. The cars are getting smaller and lighter ("Nimble Car" concept), the engines are moving to 50% electric power, and movable aerodynamics (Active Aero) will replace DRS.
The 2026 RevolutionNew Era
2026 Car Overview
CoreSmaller, lighter, and more nimble. The complete anatomy of the 2026 spec car.
Active Aero (X-Mode)
NewMovable wings are here. Understand Z-Mode (Cornering) vs X-Mode (Low Drag).
The 50/50 Power Unit
Engine50% Electric, 50% Combustion. The removal of MGU-H and the rise of 350kW battery power.
Sustainable Fuels
100% sustainable 'drop-in' fuel. How F1 is saving the internal combustion engine.
Manual Override
StrategyThe new 'Overtake Button' replacing DRS. How and when drivers can use it.
Engineering Deep Dives
Brakes & Brake-by-Wire
How the rear brakes blend with the electric motor to harvest energy.
Gearbox & Shifting
8 gears, seamless shift, and why they don't use automatic transmissions.
Suspension
Push-rod vs Pull-rod. How teams control ride height without active suspension.
Steering Wheel
A tour of the buttons, switches, and the digital display.
Aerodynamics & Physics
Downforce vs Drag
The eternal compromise. Why fast in corners means slow on straights.
Dirty Air
Why following another car is so hard, and how 2026 aims to fix it.
Tyre Physics
Grip, temperature windows, and why drivers weave to warm them up.
Porpoising
The bouncing phenomenon explained. Will it return in 2026?
Common Tech Questions
Are all F1 cars the same?
No. Every team designs and builds their own chassis and aerodynamics. However, they must all follow the same strict set of rules (Regulations) set by the FIA. This is why they look similar but perform differently.
What makes F1 cars so fast?
It is not just the engine (1000+ hp). It is the Downforce. The wings push the car into the track with tons of force, allowing them to take corners at speeds that would defy physics for a normal car.