When the 2026 Formula 1 rules were introduced, the FIA frequently spoke about the so‑called “nimble car concept”. The machinery was supposed to become smaller and lighter, although the changes are still relatively marginal. The wheelbase is 20 cm shorter and the cars are 10 cm narrower. The minimum weight is set at 768 kg, a reduction of 32 kg compared to last season. With less downforce, drivers wrestle the steering wheel more and the cars look less like they are running on rails.

On the chassis side, FIA single‑seater director Nikolas Tombazis believes the new regulations are a step forward. He says the effect of dirty air has been reduced to the level seen in 2022, and that teams will be less able to undermine the spirit of the rules. He adds that the 2026 front‑wing and floor edges no longer compromise the concept, unlike the previous generation.

Tombazis also notes that drivers still have their hands full with the new cars, which remain difficult to drive. The cars are slightly less physically demanding now, as ride heights have been raised and ground‑effect cars no longer run extremely low and stiff.

For the next set of regulations, the FIA wants the cars to be another 80 kg lighter, with simpler power units, by 2031 (or 2030 if supported). Tombazis says the current cycle cannot achieve this, but it is the target for the future. He is grateful that the long‑running trend of F1 cars becoming larger and heavier has finally been reversed.