P1racenews AI automatic summary:
No official F1 2026 designs have come out yet – but Audi’s ‘preview’ car already contains plenty of hints about how this year’s crop will look
Formula 1’s official launch season begins with Red Bull’s event in Detroit, unveiling the 2026 car’s livery instead of the actual car.
The closed-door testing in Barcelona hints that detailed images of the cars might be delayed.
However, insights from Audi’s Barcelona shakedown give hints on key design trends for the upcoming season, like the return of shark fins.
The new aerodynamic regulations allow for a refined design of the shark fins to help straighten airflow, as seen on the Audi car.
The 2026 F1 cars will feature higher rake, higher ride heights, and possibly raised noses to enhance airflow underneath the car.
Another significant change is the removal of wheel covers in the 2026 regulations, aiming to reduce car weight and improve aerodynamics.
Teams are also exploring the double pushrod front suspension, a design favored for better weight distribution in the new cars.
