FIA approves rule change to allow testing in 2026 using ‘mule cars’

Formula 1 teams have been given the green light to accelerate preparations for the sport’s technical revolution in 2026 after the FIA ​​approved a key rule change allowing the use of “mule cars” during this year’s 10-day test.

In Formula 1, a mule car is essentially a modified chassis adapted for testing purposes. These cars are extensively modified to mimic future rule changes, meaning they can differ significantly from their original specifications.

The relaxed mule regulations that have just been passed by the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council allow teams to introduce a variety of updates, offering a valuable opportunity to replicate the requirements of the upcoming regulations.

Previous mule car programs have focused primarily on aerodynamic development. For example, before the 2017 rule changes, teams experimented with various aerodynamic devices to maximize downforce.

However, the 2026 regulations introduce a radical change with the introduction of complex active aerodynamic systems, which will make it much more difficult to replicate the behaviour of the new cars in mud car tests.

In addition, the introduction of new power unit regulations increases the challenge. Unlike the 2017 changes, which retained the same power unit, teams now face the difficult task of simulating advances in aerodynamics and powertrain at the same time.

Teams have a choice when choosing a base car for their mule. They can opt for a pre-2022 chassis that is closer in size to the 2026 regulations but lacks the ground-effect aerodynamic philosophy of the current cars.

Alternatively, they could modify a newer car, but that comes with the challenge of adapting a larger chassis to the smaller dimensions for 2026.

Commenting on the recent rule change, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Mario Isola expressed doubts about the ability of Formula 1 teams to accurately simulate the characteristics of the 2026 cars using mule cars.

He particularly emphasised the impossibility of reproducing the smaller dimensions of cars and active aerodynamic systems that will be introduced in the new regulations.

“In my opinion, it is impossible to create a mule car with similar characteristics,” Isola told RaceFans.net.

“We won’t have smaller cars. We can save some weight – instead of doing long runs with full tanks, you can reduce the fuel to simulate weight. But for the rest, it’s impossible because you don’t have active aerodynamics.”

While the opportunity to experiment is invaluable, extracting meaningful data from these modified cars won’t be as easy as Isola suggests.

The teams that best address these challenges and optimise their mule racing programmes could gain a significant advantage as the next era of Formula 1 begins.

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