The revised 2026 powertrain regulations for Formula 1 are set to open the doors for additional automakers to enter the sport, but they will also result in less powerful engines. The Engineering Explained video outlines the reasoning behind the decrease in power and sheds light on the changes that will take place.
Under the new regulations, the hybrid powertrains, also known as “power units,” will still center around a turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 engine. However, the V-6 will see a 33% reduction in power, resulting in an output of approximately 560 hp. This decrease is attributed to a new rule that regulates fuel flow based on total energy rather than the mass of the fuel itself. Fuel tank capacity will also be reduced, and for the first time, fuel octane levels will be regulated, limiting workarounds for the new fuel-flow rule and ultimately resulting in less combustion and less power.
In addition to reducing the amount of fuel used, the regulations also mandate the use of sustainable fuels made from processes other than refining crude oil, as a means of making Formula 1 appear more environmentally responsible. It is noted, however, that the emissions of the cars driving around the track are relatively small compared to the emissions associated with teams and fans traveling to each F1 race.
The electric side of F1 hybrid powertrains will also see changes. The Motor Generator Unit Kinetic (MGU-K) will receive a boost in output from 160 hp to 470 hp, compensating for the loss of power from the combustion engine. However, the MGU-H, which is spun by the exhaust gasses via the turbocharger, will be eliminated. Battery capacity will remain at about 1.1 kwh, presenting an added challenge for engineers as the increased power of the MGU-K could potentially drain the battery on longer straights at certain tracks. Additionally, electric motor output will be limited at higher speeds, but the limited combustion engine power means cars will likely rely heavily on their electric motors.
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The impact of these new regulations on the racing remains to be seen, but they have already enticed more automakers to enter the sport. Ford has partnered with Red Bull, while Sauber will switch from its current Alfa Romeo branding to Audi for the German automaker’s F1 debut. Furthermore, Cadillac is looking to enter F1 with Andretti, a move that, if approved, would likely bring the General Motors luxury brand into F1 after the new regulations go into effect.
The installment of the new regulations is set to create a shift in power dynamics within Formula 1, both in terms of the technology used and the roster of participating automakers. As the 2026 season approaches, the racing world eagerly anticipates the impact of these changes on the sport.
