The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved the 2026 Formula 1 Power Unit regulations, bringing a new level of technological advancement to the world of motorsports. These regulations, developed in collaboration with power unit manufacturers, aim to make racing more sustainable and efficient. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes that these regulations will not only benefit the sport of Formula 1, but also revolutionize the mainstream automotive powertrain industry. The focus on innovation and sustainability is a key mission for the FIA and these regulations are a major step towards achieving that goal. Ben Sulayem expressed his optimism about the impact these regulations will have, stating, “The 2026 Formula 1 Power Unit Regulations are the most high-profile example of [our mission].”
The Formula 1 cars of 2026 will be powered by a fully sustainable fuel that is 100% free of fossil fuels. This marks a significant change from the E10 fuel mixture, which is currently used and consists of 90% fossil fuel and 10% ethanol. The new fuel will be derived from waste products and the carbon emissions produced during its creation will be equal to those emitted from the internal combustion engine, meaning that the engine will not release any additional CO2 into the atmosphere. Formula 1 has partnered with ARAMCO to develop this sustainable fuel.
In addition to using a sustainable fuel, the 2026 Formula 1 cars will also feature a more complex hybrid powertrain. The 1.6-liter V6 engine will be paired with an MGU-K (Kinetic Motor Generator Unit) to produce over 1000 horsepower. The MGU-K will also be able to harness the maximum amount of braking energy, producing around 320kW of power – triple the current output of the MGU-K and MGU-H systems. These technological advancements will allow the cars to use just 70kg of fuel during a Grand Prix in 2026 and the fuel flow rate will be regulated based on energy flow rather than mass or volume.
These developments in the power unit technology demonstrate Formula 1’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The move to a fully sustainable fuel and the implementation of a more efficient hybrid powertrain will not only benefit the sport, but also have a positive impact on the automotive industry as a whole. The 2026 F1 power unit regulations represent a major step forward in the quest for more sustainable and responsible racing.
As part of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, the current Motor Generator Unit Heat (MGU-H) set will be removed. While the current F1 cars are designed in such a way that the power unit can be separated from the chassis without exposing the fuel tank, the addition of more complex electrical components in the 2026 cars increases the risk of accidents. To address this issue, the 2026 cars will have the MGU-K set enclosed within the chassis, next to the battery and other high-voltage equipment. These measures are intended to make the cars safer.
However, the removal of the MGU-H and the addition of the MGU-K may also bring some challenges. The turbo lag may be more prominent, making the cars harder to control on corner exits. This will test the abilities of the drivers and require careful planning and execution of the power unit’s electrical potential by the management and strategists. The F1 will also take the disposal of electric waste seriously and mandate the recycling of batteries, cobalt-based materials, and other electrical equipment at the end of their lifecycles.
Despite these changes, the F1 is expected to become even more intense and competitive with the potential entry of new manufacturers such as Audi and Porsche in the future. As the pinnacle of motorsport, the technology used in F1 is often carried over into road-legal vehicles by manufacturers. By implementing these innovative and environmentally conscious measures, the F1 will not only be more enjoyable and responsible, but it will also strengthen the automotive industry with sustainable technology.
