F1 did a nice job of creating two videos explaining the coming 2026 engine changes for Formula 1. The current Hybrid engines are the most efficient engines in the world for racing and F1 looks to evolve into not only the most efficient but the most sustainable as well.
There is some really cool tech involved and while they are ditching the MGU-H, they are adding an interesting element of total energy use or rate. Not sure how that will play out, time will tell, but the other elements are very intriguing and the reason VW/Porsche/Audi are interested and rumors have it that Honda, who just quit F1 has been discussing coming back with a full works team again.
Now that’s an interesting premise and you’d think if that was true, they would have been speaking with Red Bull about it but rumor has Red Bull teaming up with Porsche.
Now, for obvious reasons, F1 doesn’t like having their videos play in other people’s websites but they are below, all you have to do is click on them and it will take you to their YouTube channel.
and the second video:
The way these ones twist up and finesse the language around the fuels is excruciatingly cringeworthy. See? The new fuel is in the (ahem) green beaker… Not that I don’t like chucking that silly MGU-H. It’s a long four weeks.
Yeah, the MGU-H was cool tech but very expensive. Let’s get kinetic energy, store it and put it in with the ICE. As for fuel, I am not sure about this energy flow rate. Not saying it’s not a good idea, I just don’t know enough about how teams will use and exploit it.
While I’m glad they’re finally ditching the MGU-H, the rest doesn’t seem all that revolutionary by adding a more powerful MGU-K to the mix and re-position it inside the chassis. I want them to explain this fuel situation. It comes from a non-food plant source(switchgrass?). Teams have different fuel/lubricant sponsors but will all of them provide the prescribed fuel to their customers or will it come from a single source(Aramco?). Somehow, they clawed back their 1000hp w/out the MGU-H. And what about Pirelli? Are they recycling used race tires? I noticed Firestone was using race tires sourced from plants in… Read more »
The end result are much more powerful cars (1,500hp?), more weight?, less fuel storage (aero design)? And why?
Efficiency I understand, but the tracks of today cannot cope with 500hp electric power on top of a turbo 800+ hp engine, can they?