Formula for a new era: Changes aplenty

Formula One explains how its major modifications will translate onto the track, with the sport’s key players also giving their verdicts. Read more at straitstimes.com.

While the core is still a 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, the power balance has shifted significantly. From 2026, the internal combustion engine output has been cut while the electric motor has tripled, meaning we have got roughly a 50-50 power split between petrol and electricity, compared to 80-20 previously.

This makes the power units more road relevant. The change also marks the end of the expensive and complex MGU-H (a heat energy recovery system), which lacked road relevance and added weight. To power the new hybrid unit, the car’s Energy Recovery System can now recharge the battery with twice as much energy per lap, through things like recovery under braking or lifting off the throttle at the end of straights.

What they say:

“The amount of power that they give is pretty impressive. I think for all the cars I was watching today, with all the different power units, it was probably the quickest I’ve seen an F1 car pass here in Barcelona. That was pretty exciting to see.” – George Russell, Mercedes driver, told F1TV during pre-season testing in Barcelona.

“I want us to actually stay away from that and be Formula One. So don’t increase the battery, actually get rid of that and focus on a nice engine and have Formula E as Formula E, because that’s what they are about.” –Max Verstappen, Red Bull driver.

For the first time ever, F1 power units will be running advanced sustainable fuels, which have been trialled in F2 and F3 in 2025. The fuel is made from non-food sources or waste. It is another step towards the sport’s goal to be net-zero carbon by 2030.