The new 2026 Formula 1 cars are noticeably slower through high‑speed corners — by about 50 km/h — compared with previous machines, and engineers explain why.
The biggest reasons are the new aerodynamic rules and larger wheels/tyres. Under the updated regulations, the cars produce less downforce in fast corners, and the tyre and suspension changes mean they can’t stick to the track as aggressively as before.
As a result, drivers carry less speed through these sections even though the cars are designed to be faster overall in other areas, like straights and low‑speed corners.
Teams are still learning how to get the most performance from the 2026 cars as they prepare for the new season.