The Lotus 49 got a major overhaul in iRacing’s 2026 Season 2 build. iRacing reworked the 1967 Formula 1 car from top to bottom. It now has rain tires, a rebuilt suspension, updated brakes, and new setup options. If you race this car regularly, everything feels different.
Rain Tires Change Everything
The biggest addition is rain-tire capability. You can now equip wet-weather tires in the pits or start on wets from the grid. For a 1967 car with no aero downforce and over 400 horsepower, wet racing is brutal. The Cosworth DFV delivers full power regardless of conditions. As a result, throttle control becomes critical. This opens up dynamic weather sessions for the Lotus 49 for the first time.
Updated Tire Model
The tire update goes beyond wet capability. iRacing rebuilt the full tire parameters using their latest modelling workflow. Consequently, the car feels more progressive at the limit. Grip levels communicate more clearly through the wheel. Experienced Lotus 49 drivers will notice the difference immediately. The car rewards smooth inputs more than ever.
Suspension and Brake Rework
iRacing gave the suspension a comprehensive rebuild. They updated motion ratios, damper lengths, spring rate ranges, and anti-roll bar settings. The car now responds more naturally to setup changes. Meanwhile, the brake system also got a full rework. Braking feel is sharper, and the pedal responds more consistently under heavy load. These changes make the car more intuitive to drive on the limit.
What It Means for Drivers
Overall, the Lotus 49 is still a demanding car. However, the updates make it more rewarding. Setup work now translates more directly to on-track improvement. Additionally, the rain capability adds an entirely new dimension to the car. If you shelved the Lotus 49 in recent seasons, now is the time to revisit it.
