What restrictions will apply to development in 2026 and what that means: An exclusive excerpt from Stefan Ehlen’s book “Formula 1: Everything You Need to Know.”
Since 2021, Formula 1 teams have no longer been able to determine the technical development of their cars without restriction.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has ensured this by issuing special rules designed to improve equal opportunities in Formula 1. The final standings in the constructors’ championship are particularly important in this regard: the table serves as the starting point for the classification of the individual teams at the beginning of the new Formula 1 season – who has to work with which handicap.
Stefan Ehlen describes the exact mechanisms in chapter 9 of his new book “Formula 1: Everything You Need to Know” (Meyer & Meyer Verlag), which focuses on the Formula 1 regulations. Order “Formula 1: Everything You Need to Know” here now! * The work, from which we are exclusively permitted to quote below, is a guide to the sporting and technical Formula 1 regulations and highlights precisely those nuances that are often lost in the general euphoria:
9.3.4 Operational rules
“The operational regulations of Formula 1 describe certain procedures that teams must adhere to. These include, for example, mandatory factory closures for 14 days during the summer break and for 9 days during the winter break.”
During this period, development work must be completely suspended: no simulations may be created or wind tunnel tests undertaken, and the manufacture of parts is also prohibited. However, the teams are free to choose the exact period of closure themselves. They are also permitted to carry out necessary repairs to the vehicles or maintenance work on the factory infrastructure.
Another key area of the operational rules concerns the teams’ development scope for wind tunnel tests (in hours) and digital simulations (in trials). Formula 1 uses a handicap system here, which restricts stronger teams and favors weaker teams.
The final position in the previous year’s World Championship standings is initially decisive for the classification. For all subsequent periods, the current interim World Championship rankings of the teams at points during the year are to be determined.
This determines how much development effort the teams are allowed to put in: seventh place corresponds to one hundred percent. There is a graduated deduction for positions above this and a graduated bonus for positions below. The values for tenth place apply analogously to an eleventh or new team. In addition, the operational regulations provide for various restrictions on drive development: test benches may be used intensively in the three years prior to the first race use of a drive. In the first year of competition, the time is reduced to about one-third, and for all subsequent years, it is halved again.”
Looking ahead: The new era of 2026
In addition to the current regulations and historical classifications, the book also offers an outlook on the massive change that Formula 1 is about to undergo. From 2026, completely new drive and chassis regulations will come into force. Anyone who wants to use the winter break not only to find out about the finer points of how the title is awarded, but also to prepare for the coming technical revolution, will find the relevant background information in “Formula 1: Everything you need to know.”
