TermiOnTrack #F1 Newsbites – June Edition.

TermiOnTrack F1 Newsbites June Edition – Hi fellow F1 fanatics, we are back with the June Edition of F1 Newsbites. Let’s check out the latest from the world of Formula 1!

 

 

TermiOnTrack F1 Newsbites June Edition – F1 2026 Technical Regulations Released

 

 

On June 6, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, showcased a more competitive, safer and sustainable future for the FIA Formula One World Championship with the presentation of the highly-anticipated technical regulations that will define the sport from 2026 onwards.

 

Developed in consultation with the FIA Formula 1 Technical Working Groups, and in collaboration with Formula 1, the 10 teams, OEMs and Engine Manufacturers, outline details of the new 2026 regulations were revealed in Montreal at the Canadian Grand Prix. The 2026 regulations are now set to be officially ratified by the World Motor Sport Council on June 28.

 

A more “nimble” car concept was the heart of the 2026 Technical Regulations for the FIA Formula One World Championship which targets improved race-ability and closer racing.

 

 

The 2026 cars will be 30kgs lighter than the current spec improving its efficiency and handling.

 

Redesigned power-trains builds on the world’s most efficient engines with almost 300% battery power and an even split between the Internal Combustion Engine and Electric power.

 

There will be active aerodynamics to suit the energy management requirements of the new power-trains and increased overtaking opportunities through new a Manual Override Mode granting more electrical power deployment for the following car.

 

There will be a record number of six engine manufacturers competing in Formula 1 from 2026 onwards featuring Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine, Honda, Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains.

 

The 2026 cars will be running 100% sustainable fuels and improved safety through stronger structures and even tougher tests.

 

FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem stated: “Today, the FIA is defining a hugely exciting future for the pinnacle of motorsport with the launch of a comprehensive new set of regulations for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship and beyond. Following the publication of 2026 Power Unit Regulations two years ago we have taken the opportunity to redefine the chassis regulations to match the energy requirement of the new power units. Collaborating with our partners at Formula 1 and with the assistance of the sport’s 10 teams and all our stakeholders this represents a unique revision that will ensure our premier championship is even more relevant to what is happening in the world. The Power Unit Regulations have already resulted in a record number of PU manufacturers committing to the sport. And now, in tandem with chassis regulations that provide for lighter, more agile cars featuring innovative aerodynamic solutions, we have created a set of regulations designed to not only improve racing but also to make the championship even more attractive to PU manufacturers, OEMs and existing competitors. The key features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced, sustainability technology and safety. Our aim, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal.” Sulayem concluded. Credit to FIA for the quote.

 

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “These regulations mark a significant moment in the future of our sport as we look forward to a new generation of car and power unit that aims to give our fans closer and exciting racing. The new sustainably fuelled hybrid power unit presents a huge opportunity for the global automotive industry, the drop in fuel has the potential to be used by cars around the world and dramatically cut emissions. Its potential is one of the key reasons why we will have a record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 in 2026. We enter this new regulatory cycle with the sport in the strongest position it has ever been, and I am confident that the work done by the FIA to create these regulations will further strengthen the position of the sport around the world.” Domenicali concluded. Credit to FIA for the quote.

 

The full set of 2026 regulations take Formula 1 into the future with a number of key innovations across the engines, chassis, aerodynamics, safety and sustainability.

 

Power-Train

 

First published in August 2022, the engine regulations provide a major step forward. Building on the foundations on the world’s most efficient hybrid engine currently used in the pinnacle of motorsport, the 2026 power-train delivers even more power than the current engines.

 

Whilst the power derived from the Internal Combustion Engine element drops from 550-560kw to 400kw, the battery component increases massively, from 120kw to 350kw – an almost 300% increase in electrical power. Performance is thus maintained, whilst sustainability is increased even more.

 

By simplifying the power-train through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit–Heat (MGU-H), and the expansion of electrical power, the 2026 engine is the most road relevant yet seen in the sport and featuring 100% sustainable fuel to provide a forward-thinking platform for transferrable future innovation.

 

Additionally, the amount of energy that can be harvested whilst braking has doubled, resulting in total recovery of 8.5 MJ per lap.

 

A Manual Override Mode was included to create improved overtaking opportunities whilst the deployment of the leading car will taper off after 290kph, reaching zero at 355kph, the following car will benefit from the MGU-K Override providing 350kW up to 337kph and +0.5MJ of an extra boost of energy.

 

Designed to attract new manufacturers to the sport, the regulations have lead to commitments from existing engine suppliers such as Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine, the return of Honda as a manufacturer and the arrival of Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains.

 

Chassis

 

The new chassis for 2026 onwards are designed to be more “nimble”, smaller and lighter than the current spec with the wheelbase dropping from the maximum of 3600mm to 3400mm, whilst the width has been reduced from 2000mm to 1900mm. The maximum floor width drops by 150mm.

 

Weight reduction was one of the main goals of the new regulations as the 2026 cars will have a minimum weight of 768kgs – down 30kgs on their predecessors from 2022. This is made up of 722kg Car and Driver + 46kgs estimated tyre mass.

 

Downforce levels have been reduced by 30% and drag by 55%.

 

The 18-inch wheels have been retained, though the width of the front tyres will be reduced by 25mm and rear tyres by 30mm but with minimal losses in grip.

 

Aerodynamics

 

The 2026 will also feature all-new Active Aerodynamic systems. The system involves moveable front and rear wings, which will result in greater cornering speeds with standard Z-Mode deployed. On the straights, the drivers will be able to switch to X-Mode – a low drag configuration designed to increase speed.

 

A three-element rear wing will be adopted, whilst the lower beam wing has been removed and the end plates have been simplified.

 

The front wing will be 100mm narrower than the current spec and will feature a two-element active flap.

 

In contrast to the current spec, the front wheel fins will be removed, and part of the wheel bodywork will be mandated, to assist achieving optimal wake performance.

 

In-washing wheel wake control boards will sit on the front of the sidepods to help with the control of the wheel wake.

 

The next-gen of cars will feature a partially flat floor and a lower-powered diffuser, which will reduce ground-effect and reliance of the cars on ultra-stiff and low setups.

 

Safety

 

The FIA’s push for safety is upheld in the 2026 technical regulations.

 

A revised front impact regulation introduces a two-stage structure to avoid incidents in recent years where the front impact structure has broken off close to the survival cell after a first impact, leaving the car unprotected for a major impact.

 

Side intrusion protection has been increased – with the new specification giving improved intrusion protection around the cockpit and more than doubles the protection given by the side of the fuel cell. Also, the improved intrusion protection will be achieved without adding weight to the car.

 

Roll hoop loads have been increased from 16G to 20G in line with the other single-seater categories and test loads have also been increased from 141kN to 167kN.

 

Rear wing endplate lights will be homologated and more brighter/visible than the current ones. Lateral safety lights will be introduced to identify the Energy Recovery System status of a car stopped across the track.

 

The GPS antenna is being re-positioned to improve sensitivity and allow future developments in active safety.

 

Sustainability

 

From 2026, the Formula 1 power-trains will run on fully sustainable fuel, following the commitment to environmentally responsible racing and setting a new standard for world motorsport.

 

The fuel will be ‘drop in” – meaning it can be used in almost any Internal Combustion Engine vehicle, offering a potentially game-changing solution to greenhouse gases in the transportation sector. By 2030, there will be 1.2bn Internal Combustion Engine cars on the road worldwide and the fuel developed by Formula 1 could be used to reduce emissions on a large scale.

 

Sustainability will be increased through greater use of electrical power in the 2026 engine regulations and a push towards 50% electrical and 50% thermal power distribution level.

 

The 2026 regulations are in line with the FIA’s objective of achieving Net zero carbon by 2030.

 

The 2026 regulations are set to be officially ratified by the World Motor Sport Council on June 28 2024.

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F1 Driver Market News – Perez to stay at Red Bull until end of 2026

 

 

On June 5, Oracle Red Bull Racing announced that Sergio Perez will remain at the team with a two-year contract extension to his existing contract.

 

Since joining the Milton Keynes based-outfit at the end of the 2020 campaign, the Mexican has enjoyed his most successful seasons in the sport, finishing runner up in the 2023 World Driver’s Championship standings, the first time that Red Bull have ever achieved a one-two finish in the Championship.

 

Perez’s points tallies have helped contribute to Red Bull’s two Constructor’s Championships in 2022 and 2023.

 

The 34-year-old Mexican have five Grand Prix victories to his name at the Milton Keynes based-squad, 29 podium finishes, including a maiden pole position for a Mexican driver.

 

Perez has been dubbed as the “King of the Streets” and the “Mexican Minister of Defence” following his memorable contribution to team-mate Max Verstappen’s maiden 2021 World Driver’s Championship triumph at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Perez becoming the most successful Mexican driver in the sport’s history.

 

Oracle Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner explained: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo. Continuity and stability are important for the team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the team in the Championship last year. Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China. The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see. Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line up and with the team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close fought Championship this year.” Horner concluded, credit to Red Bull for the quote.

 

Perez added: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this team’s great history for two more years. Being part of the team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it. I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track. I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more Championships to win together.” Perez concluded, credit to Red Bull for the quote.

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Sauber hires Battiston as CCO ahead of becoming factory Audi F1 team from 2026 onwards

 

 

Sauber Motorsport appointed Stefano Battiston as Chief Commercial Officer, effective from June 1 with Battiston reporting directly to CEO Andreas Seidl to spearhead the commercial strategy as the team transitions to become the works Audi factory F1 team in 2026.

 

In his new position, Battiston will lead all commercial aspects of Sauber Motorsport and the Audi F1 project, including marketing, brand & content, partnerships, business development, guest experiences, CRM and Data, and merchandise.

 

Battiston has valuable experience from his previous roles at Maserati, IWC Schaffhausen, and as the Head of Marketing for the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 Team. Most recently, he was Commercial Director of the Audi F1 Project, which saw him build the backbone of Audi’s commercial entry into Formula 1.

 

CEO of Sauber and the Audi F1 Factory Team Andreas Seidl stated: “The appointment of Stefano is another important step in our transition to become the Audi F1 works team from 2026, and it represents a solid foundation upon which we will continue to build as we prepare for our entry to Formula One with Audi, ensuring that we are commercially ahead of our competitors. I have worked with Stefano since I joined the Sauber Group: together, we have ambitious goals, and welcoming Stefano to this program brings us one step closer to realising them. There is a race on track and off track; we want to win them both. Seidl concluded. Credit to Sauber Group for the quote.

 

Battiston commented: “The Audi F1 Project is going from strength-to-strength. Audi’s position on the global stage is solid and impressive, and I’m both delighted and determined in equal measure to drive this project forward. We are forming a new team with a mission of becoming a pioneering platform for brands, opening the door to a culture that will transcend traditional partnerships and customer engagement. Audi’s entry into Formula One is the pinnacle of their highly successful history in motorsport, and I’m grateful for this opportunity and challenge.” Battiston concluded. Credit to Sauber Group for the quote.

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Sordo joins STAKE F1 Team Kick Sauber as Performance Director ahead of Audi entry

 

 

On June 10, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber continued to reinforce it’s technical structure with the appointment of Stefano Sordo as its Performance Director.

 

Sordo will report directly to Technical Director James Key with the former bringing a wealth of Formula One based-experience to the team as it continues it’s transitional phase to become the Audi F1 works team from 2026 onwards.

 

Sordo has worked in the pinnacle of motorsport for over two decades in positions ranging from Race Engineer to Head of Aerodynamics Performance in various teams, before graduating to the role of Director of Vehicle Performance at McLaren.

 

During his time at Red Bull, Sordo contributed to the series of consecutive World Championships between 2010 and 2013, before adding a victory to his tally during his stint at McLaren.

 

His latest appointment was with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, competing in IndyCar and IMSA in the United States of America.

 

CEO of Sauber Group Andreas Seidl explained: “The appointment of Stefano is an important step in the development of the structure of our technical department. Stefano knows what a winning squad needs. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and, with the different array of roles he played in the past, he is perfectly placed to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our technical operations, and address what is required. We have a strong technical team in Hinwil, and Stefano’s appointment will help us to harness these skills and turn them into performance as we continue in this crucial time for our outfit, with the Audi F1 works team being readied for its debut.” Seidl concluded. Credit to Sauber Group for the quote.

 

Sordo added: “I am delighted to join Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber and take on a role that will have a direct impact on unlocking the performance we already have within our company, and help it reach new heights. The team is at a crucial juncture in its history, with the start of the Audi adventure just around the corner, and I am looking forward to tackling the challenge that lies ahead. I am excited about what the future holds: the targets the team has set for itself are ambitious, but I see a lot of confidence from everyone within this organisation.” Sordo concluded. Credit to Sauber Group for the quote.

 

To see more on Audi’s build-up on it’s entry to Formula 1, visit their website here: https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/formula-1-14842

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