Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen has expressed a positive outlook on the technical regulations set for the 2026 season. The Finn believes the upcoming generation of F1 cars will surpass those from his own championship-winning era. Hakkinen’s ‘glory days’ refer to his successful period with McLaren in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where he secured titles in 1998 and 1999.
Hakkinen’s assessment centres on the anticipated characteristics of the 2026 machinery. He expects the new cars to be lighter and more agile, a significant departure from the current heavier and more complex designs. This shift is intended to enhance the driving experience and promote closer competition on track.
The 2026 technical regulations, officially unveiled by the FIA in June 2024, introduce substantial changes to both power units and aerodynamics. A key alteration is the revised power unit formula, which will feature a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. The MGU-H component, a complex energy recovery system, will be removed entirely.
This simplification of the power unit aims to attract new manufacturers to the sport and reduce development costs. The increased electrical output is designed to maintain high performance levels while aligning with sustainability objectives. Teams are currently deep into development for these new power units.
Aerodynamically, the 2026 cars are targeted to be approximately 30 kilograms lighter than their predecessors. They will incorporate active aerodynamics, featuring movable front and rear wings. This system, referred to as ‘Z-mode’ for low drag on straights and ‘X-mode’ for higher downforce in corners, is designed to improve efficiency and facilitate overtaking opportunities.
The overall reduction in downforce is expected to place a greater emphasis on driver skill. Hakkinen’s comments suggest an appreciation for this renewed focus on driver ability, reminiscent of the demands placed on drivers during his own career with V10 engines and fewer electronic aids.
The FIA’s overarching goals for the 2026 regulations include promoting more competitive racing, reducing the overall size and weight of the cars, and advancing Formula 1’s commitment to 100% sustainable fuels. These objectives align with Hakkinen’s view that the new era will represent an improvement for the sport.
