Horner denies F1 in 2026 will significantly reduce its size and calls for changes for Monaco

One of the goals of the new regulation vehicles to debut 2026In theory, apart from increasing engine power by up to 50%, this is to reduce the size of F1 cars and make them more reactive and lighter. However, much has been published in relation to the difficulties that the FIA in their simulator tests with the first basic model. And here we have to add the latest statements of Christian Horner, where it ensures that the 2026 cars will not significantly reduce their size as expected. Come on, it won’t be that much of a change in that particular aspect and the problem of F1 Monaco GPexperienced last Sunday with a boring race and without overtaking, it had to be solved by taking other measures not related to cars.

Cars today are 11% wider than just 8 years ago and exceed 5 meters in length. In these ‘boats’ it is impossible for drivers to overtake in Monaco and the race is soporific because fate wants the event to be left without a main attraction: a pit stop.

That point was nullified by the red flag that came out at turn 1, and which in current regulations allows tires to be changed. Because of this, the race was on forever and the only possibility of excitement that existed apart from possibly hitting the walls that would change everything was canceled. As a result, thousands of F1 fans are complaining about the Monaco race.

Horner and his clear warning for Monaco and the size of the cars

He talked to her Chris Horner in front of the international press. “Either we have to make the cars smaller by 2026, something that is not really in the plans, or to have a really entertaining race here we must look at at least the possibility of opening some places which potentially creates a reduced chance of being overtaken”argued the Red Bull Team Principal.

“I think it’s something that I know I know Formula 1, and I’m sure Monaco does the same. But to protect the next 70 years here, I think clearly there needs to be some evolution,” added Horner, indirectly making it clear that the FIA’s intention to produce smaller, more nimble cars by 2026 may not be a major change.

Cars and their sheer size

And we shouldn’t forget that cars have grown exponentially in recent decades for a number of reasons. Above all, in length, it measures 5.63 meters long. Meanwhile, the maximum width is 2 meters and the height is 95 centimeters. And its minimum weight is 796 kg.

The first, to increase the safety of pilots. The second, to increase the fuel load due to the elimination of refueling, something that is not safe for pilots and teams. And also, due to the size of the engines, which now have a V6 turbo hybrid architecture with many elements; There is the combustion engine, the MGU-K (recovery of energy generated by braking), the MGU-H (recovery of energy generated by heat), the battery and the exhaust system. The large number of elements also increases the size of the engine, which directly affects the size of the cars.

Looking to 2026, the engine structure will be the same except for the elimination of the MGU-H, so the FIA ​​​​has a really hard time in its goal to reduce the size of the current cars. In addition, the 2026 tire specification is expected to be the same as this year, something that also does not change with the size of the current cars.