1990 · TECHNICAL
1990 Technical Regulations
1990 carried forward the 1989 atmospheric-only formula: maximum 3.5-litre displacement, no forced induction, no fuel limit. Engine configurations continued to split between V8 (Cosworth DFR), V10 (Honda, Renault, Judd) and V12 (Ferrari, Lamborghini). The year saw early experimentation with active suspension (Williams FW13B and Lotus) and semi-automatic gearboxes, both of which became mainstream over the following two seasons. Minimum weight remained at 505 kg with driver.
Chapters
Carryover from 1989
The 3.5L atmospheric engine framework ran into its second season. Minimum weight 505 kg with driver. No foundational regulation rewrites. The technological shift of the year was semi-automatic paddle-shift gearboxes — first introduced at Ferrari for 1989, now adopted by Williams, McLaren and others as the standard interface.
Last updated: 2026-04-24
This summary is editorial material prepared by F1pedia for general F1 audiences. It is not a legal reference. For binding rule text, consult the official FIA document.