The newly published 2026 FIA WEC Hypercar technical regulations have revealed a key change to the power unit rules.
Article 5.3 states that “An ERS is optional but shall become mandatory for all newly homologated vehicles from 2026 onwards.”
The change in the rules, which will prevent manufacturers from developing non-hybrid LMH-spec prototypes, comes amid ongoing discussions about potentially moving to a single platform for the top class by the end of the decade. At present, the Hypercar category is open to both LMH and LMDh-spec prototypes, though this looks increasingly likely to change in the coming years.
Currently, just one car competing in the FIA WEC’s Hypercar class (and IMSA’s GTP class) – the Aston Martin Valkyrie – is a non-hybrid. The British manufacturer’s challenger is powered solely by a 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 from Cosworth.
Aston Martin THOR Team is set to return to the FIA WEC in 2026 with its two-car programme, and sources suggest that the manufacturer has put together a roadmap to develop the car as part of a multi-year commitment to the championship. And now, it seems, the Valkyrie is set to be the last non-hybrid car to compete in the WEC’s top class for the foreseeable future. Previously, the Vanwall Vandervell 680, Glickenhaus SCG 007 LMH and Alpine A480 all competed in the Hypercar class as non-hybrids.
Changes have also been made to the section of the regulations on homologation. A new rule for 2026 is that “Additional Evolutions extensions (EVO Jokers) can be granted for a demonstrated significant lack of performance as determined by the governing body.”
To this point, all Hypercar manufacturers have been limited in the number of performance-related updates they can develop for their cars.
They have five EVO Jokers at their disposal for use between January 2021 and December 2027, with an additional two set to become available from January 2028 to December 2029.
The 2026 sporting regulations for the FIA WEC have also been published. You can read the key pointers from those HERE >>>
