The 2026 System 1 season will carry a automotive idea that’s radically totally different from what we see immediately, each technically and from a sporting perspective. The most important problem will likely be managing the battery cost, which should energy an electrical motor 3 times stronger than the present one, with out the flexibility to get better vitality from the turbo. In accordance with the Italian media, this challenge is already influencing design selections and approaches to energetic aerodynamics, and it might even jeopardize Monza’s popularity because the Temple of Velocity.
Effectivity issues greater than energy
Within the paddock, rumors are swirling about which group at the moment has the best-performing engine on the dyno. By no means earlier than has the exit of Renault and the creation of energy unit departments at Audi and Crimson Bull-Ford sparked such a widespread reshuffling of personnel and data throughout engine producers. It’s broadly believed that Mercedes is the present benchmark, intently adopted by Ferrari, though establishing a transparent hierarchy stays troublesome. Peak energy won’t be the decisive issue—vitality effectivity will matter much more.
A key problem will likely be recharging the battery to energy the hybrid system, which is able to produce 350 kW—way over the present 120 kW. Managing vitality shouldn’t be an issue on twistier tracks, however on sooner ones, the ability unit received’t at all times be capable of run at full capability, and groups might want to rigorously ration battery use over the course of a lap. “On paper, Monza will now not be the Temple of Velocity,” Aston Martin’s Engineering Director Luca Furbatto mentioned in an interview for the Italian web site FormulaPassion. Beneath the sporting rules, the management unit can not abruptly reduce an excessive amount of energy on straights, however nothing stops groups from instructing drivers to raise off the throttle effectively earlier than the braking level.
Nonetheless, altering the rules simply months earlier than the vehicles debut is just not a viable possibility. The plan is to proceed with the present model and assess potential changes later. Among the many ongoing discussions is find out how to assist lagging engine producers, whose efficiency will likely be monitored utilizing torque and energy sensors mounted on the driveshafts.
Synergy between aerodynamics and engine
Power administration can be affecting the strategy to energetic aerodynamics, which from 2026 will contain each entrance and rear wings and will likely be 3 times extra highly effective than the present DRS. Right this moment’s movable wing is principally a device to realize pace on straights and help overtaking, however within the 2026 vehicles, wing opening will function a key aspect in vitality administration—reducing drag and consumption on the straights. Groups are engaged on totally different aerodynamic effectivity targets for open- and closed-wing configurations. The benefit will go to those that finest exploit the aerodynamic interplay between the entrance and rear wing openings, presumably altering airflow buildings to additionally scale back physique drag.
Having one of the best energy unit received’t assure success, as a lot will depend upon how effectively it integrates with the remainder of the automotive. Engineers agree that the 2026 vehicles would require excellent synergy between engine and aerodynamics, with vitality administration shaping the automotive idea. Chasing most downforce doesn’t appear to be the successful path. Moreover rising drag and consumption on the straights, an excessive amount of grip would increase mid-corner speeds and shorten braking zones—the place the vehicles really need extended deceleration to recharge the battery.
All of this contributes to a state of affairs wherein the aerodynamic load projections range vastly not solely amongst groups but additionally in comparison with FIA estimates. It’s no shock that a number of elements of the aerodynamic and chassis rules are nonetheless being finalized, creating important complications for all concerned.
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