All the key aspects changing on F1's 2026 engines
Formula 1's 2026 engine rules usher in a new era of hybrid technology. Here's a look at all the key changes to the power units
A Mercedes Formula 1 engine
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The 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations represent the most significant overhaul since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014.
These changes aim to improve raceability and enhance sustainability as they closely align the series with broader automotive industry trends.
Below is a detailed analysis of the key technical shifts and their implications compared to the current generation of engines.
1. Power unit architecture
Redesigned hybrid system
The 2026 engines retain the 1.6l V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE) but eliminate the Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H), a component that recovers energy from exhaust gases.
This helps simplify the power unit and reduce costs, but introduces challenges in managing turbo lag, as the MGU-H previously spooled the turbocharger.
To compensate, the MGU-K (Kinetic Motor Generator Unit) sees its output nearly tripled from 120kW to 350kW, enabling it to provide both energy recovery and torque fill during acceleration.
Power distribution
Current ICE dominance: around 80% ICE (550–560kW) vs 20% electric (120kW).
2026 balance: Near 50-50 split between ICE (400kW) and electric (350kW).
Total power remains similar at around 750 kW (1006bhp), but the electrification shift aligns F1 with road-car sustainability goals.
A Honda power unit
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2. Energy recovery and deployment
Enhanced recuperation
For 2026, energy recovery during braking doubles from 4MJ to 8.5MJ per lap, with the MGU-K solely responsible for harvesting. This forces teams to optimise mechanical braking systems and energy deployment strategies.
The removal of the MGU-H eliminates around 60% of the previous energy recovery capacity, requiring innovative solutions to maintain efficiency.
Manual override mode
A new “Override Mode” allows drivers to deploy an extra 0.5MJ of energy when within one second of a rival, mimicking the KERS push-to-pass system used from 2009–2013. This aims to improve overtaking by granting following cars a 350kW burst up to 337km/h.
Turbo lag and energy management
Without the MGU-H, turbo response delays could necessitate using the MGU-K to spool the turbocharger, consuming precious electrical energy. Simulations suggest cars may face “lift-and-coast” scenarios on power-sensitive circuits like Monza if energy management is suboptimal.
3. Sustainability and fuel innovations
100% sustainable fuels
The 2026 engines will use fully sustainable fuels derived from non-food biomass, municipal waste, or carbon capture. This replaces the current E10 blend (10% ethanol) and eliminates fossil carbon emissions produced by the cars. The FIA’s fuel certification scheme ensures compliance with strict greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Summary of changes
| Specification | Current generation (2014-2025) | 2026 generation |
|---|---|---|
| Internal combustion engine power | 550-560 kW (736-750 hp) | 400 kW (536 hp) |
| Electric power (MGU-K) | 120 kW (161 hp) | 350 kW (469 hp) |
| Total power | ~750 kW (1,006 hp) | ~750 kW (1,006 hp) |
| Electric power share | ~16% | ~47% |
| MGU-H System | Yes (MGU-H present) | No (MGU-H removed) |
| Energy recovery per lap | 4 MJ per lap | 8.5 MJ per lap |
| Fuel flow rate | 100 kg/h (mass flow) | 3,000 MJ/h (energy flow) |
| Fuel type | 10% sustainable fuel (E10) | 100% sustainable fuel |
| Minimum weight (ICE) | 145 kg (includes MGU-K & MGU-H) | 130 kg (excludes MGU-K) |
| Turbocharger max RPM | 125,000 rpm | 150,000 rpm |
| Engine max RPM | 15,000 rpm | 15,000 rpm |
Which engine every F1 team will use in 2026
Several teams are changing engine supplier in 2026
Red Bull
McLaren – Mercedes
McLaren will continue to use Mercedes power units for the 2026 season and beyond. The team renewed its partnership with Mercedes-Benz in 2023, securing a deal that extends through to the end of the 2030 season.
Red Bull – Red Bull Powertrains
Red Bull will use its own power units next year through the creation of Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Next year will mark the debut of Red Bull’s own in-house power unit, developed at its Milton Keynes facility in partnership with Ford, which is returning to Formula 1 as a technical partner after a two-decade absence.
Ferrari
As it has during the entire history of Formula 1, Ferrari will continue to use and supply its own power units next year.
Mercedes
Like Ferrari, Mercedes will be powered by its own engines in 2026.
Williams – Mercedes
Williams will continue to use Mercedes power units from the 2026 season onwards, having extended its long-standing partnership through at least the end of 2030.
Racing Bulls
Like sister team Red Bull, Racing Bulls will use the Red Bull Ford Powertrains engine in 2026.
Haas – Ferrari
Haas will again use Ferrari power units next year. The American team extended its technical partnership with Ferrari through the end of the 2028 season.
Aston Martin – Honda
Aston Martin is another team that will change engine supplier in 2026, switching to Honda power units in an exclusive full works partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.
Audi has been working flat out on its F1 engine
Audi
Audi
Next year, the Sauber team will become Audi’s works F1 squad and will therefore switch from Ferrari to Audi engines for the German manufacturer’s maiden season in F1.
Alpine – Mercedes
Alpine will use Mercedes power units and gearboxes from 2026 onward after signing a multi-year agreement that runs at least until the end of 2030. This marks a major shift for the team, as Renault has cancelled its F1 engine programme.
Cadillac – Ferrari
Cadillac will join the F1 field as the 11th team next year and will use Ferrari engines and gearboxes for its first three seasons (2026–2028).