The Race F1 Podcast The key tech trends of F1's 2026 cars
24 snips
Feb 2, 2026 
Mark Hughes, veteran F1 journalist offering sharp historical perspective, and Gary Anderson, ex-Formula 1 technical director and race engineer, dissect 2026 car design trends. They examine active aero choices, unusual sidepod and bargeboard solutions, bold suspension geometries, large airbox inlets and diffuser slotting. They also flag which cars impressed and which raise concerns.
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Front-Wheel Wake Still Crucial
- The front-wheel wake and front-corner bargeboard area remain critical for underfloor performance and outwash control.
- Gary warns teams exploit regulatory gaps there, and the FIA could close them early if needed.
1994 Jerez Diffuser Patch-Up
- Gary recalls the 1994 scramble when teams rapidly altered diffusers at Jerez after FIA rule changes.
- He uses that to illustrate the FIA can rapidly close regulatory loopholes early in a season.
Wide Variation In Sidepod Solutions
- Teams diverge strongly on sidepod strategies: extreme undercuts and slim pods versus wider, less downwashed designs.
- Mark Hughes highlights Aston Martin, Red Bull and VCARB as adopting very slim, downwashed tube-like pods with large airboxes.