First 3D model of 2026 Formula 1 cars shows one key difference between this year’s vehicles

The first 3D model of what a Formula 1 car might look like after the 2026 rules changes has been revealed.

Using data supplied by teams in the F1 paddock, Auto Motor Sport has produced a model of what the next generation of cars could look like.

There will be plenty of Formula 1 fans who wish that the rule changes are introduced sooner than 2026.

It looks like Red Bull have absolutely nailed the current regulations and the rest of the grid are still trying to catch up.

There are only a few tweaks to the huge list of rules and regs that teams need to abide by each season for 2024.

This means that Red Bull will be hoping to continue their dominance next year although the rest of the team on the grid are catching up.

However, 2026 is when Formula 1 introduces it’s next set of major rule changes and the car each team produces will have some noticeable differences.

The last few iterations of the sport have produced some great racing, but also typically allowed one team to race clear of their rivals.

First model of 2026 Formula 1 car revealed

In the images shared by Auto Motor Sport, the shape of the car isn’t too different, but the vehicle is noticeably shorter.

The car will also be lighter which should make it more efficient and help F1’s aim of being a net zero carbon sport by 2030.

Each vehicle will be narrowed and run 16-inch rims as opposed to 18-inch rims currently which could make overtaking easier on tighter circuits.

Ultimately, each Formula 1 car is expected to be roughly a second slower in 2026 which won’t please either the fans or the drivers.

The last thing F1 needs is another set of rules that sees one team race away from the others.

There have been some controversial changes in the past, such as the iconic sound of an F1 car changing when they stopped using the V12 engines.

It will be interesting to see how these new cars are received when they’re finally on the grid.