P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 could ditch 18-inch wheels for 2026 in bid to drop car weight
F1 officials have made it clear that reducing car weight is a key element of the new rules for 2026. The aim is to address the trend of heavier cars and make them lighter by around 50kg. This reduction will be achieved by using narrower wheels, a smaller rear wing, and overall changes to the dimensions of the cars. The goal is to have smaller, shorter, and narrower single-seater cars. The weight reduction will impact cornering speeds, but the increased energy recovery of the hybrid system will ensure adequate lap performance. The discussions also involve the possibility of changing tyre size, potentially moving away from the current 18-inch wheels to 16-inch wheels. This change in tyre size could help reduce drag and contribute to weight reduction. The overall vision for the 2026 generation of cars is to have lighter, more aerodynamic, and visually different vehicles.
Source: motorsport
