Decoding the Flashing Lights of the 2026 Formula 1 Cars
Formula 1’s 2026 season brings a raft of technical changes, and one of the most visible for fans will be the new rear and side lights on each car. These aren’t just aesthetic updates; they’re designed to communicate crucial information during races. Here’s a breakdown of what each color and sequence means, and why these lights have been redesigned.
The Rear Impact Structure (RIS) Light
Located in the center of the rear of the car, the RIS light will typically appear red. Its primary function is to indicate energy levels within the power unit. Teams can now lower the maximum power output to conserve battery charge, and the flashing sequence of the RIS light will reflect this adjustment.
- Single Flash: The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) is delivering less than the full 350kW of power.
- Two Flashes: The MGU-K is not delivering any power but isn’t recharging.
- Multiple Swift Flashes: The MGU-K is recharging although the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is still running at full throttle – a tactic known as ‘super clipping’.
Beyond energy levels, the RIS light serves several safety functions, including signaling Safety Car periods, double yellow flag sectors, engine stoppages, and indicating the use of intermediate or wet tires. The redesigned light, which saves approximately 180g in weight, also incorporates a rear-facing onboard camera and has the capability to change color.
Currently, the light will turn blue if a driver does not possess a full super license – a feature particularly useful during rookie practice sessions, where teams are required to field a rookie driver in FP1 on four occasions each season. The potential for additional colors to be introduced in the future exists, allowing for even more nuanced communication.
Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Single Seater Director, explained the light’s expanded role: “First of all we’ve got a new specification, which means we can change the colour. That way we can deliver different messages to who’s following. That will evolve and improve over time – it’s in order to not just have a single red one.”1
To enhance clarity, the rear wing endplate lights will mirror the flashing pattern of the RIS light, always appearing red.
Lateral Safety Lights
New amber lateral safety lights have been added to the mirrors, providing visibility from the side, and front. These lights activate in specific scenarios:
- When a car has come to a complete halt.
- When a car’s speed drops below 20kph.
- When a car is in neutral at a race start (they extinguish when first gear is selected).
These lights were proposed by the drivers themselves to improve safety. Tombazis added: “Basically, they were saying that if a car has spun around in the wet conditions and is sat laterally, you cannot witness the rear light, because you’re on the side. You may be an approaching car, and because it’s a bit misty, you may not see it. It was proposed that there would be some lateral lights, so this is why we added those lights.”1
The 2026 F1 season introduces an oval rain light, which also includes a new camera.23
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