Episode Two Q&A: The Power Unit

As Toto often says, Formula One is the fastest lab in the world. Our sport is a test bed of innovation with an incredible history of technological pioneering that goes on to have significant road-relevant application.

The power unit is a prime example of this innovation. 2014 marked the move to the sport’s first ever hybrid engines and working alongside PETRONAS this era produced unprecedented success for the team, claiming eight Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships.

2026 presents the biggest change to engine regulations since 2014, with significant changes not only to the physical redesign of the power units, but to the fundamental way we think about the sport.

With preparations for the new era well under way, we spoke to our team and experts from PETRONAS to learn more about the power units.

Hywel, can you paint a picture of just how significant these power unit changes are?

Hywel Thomas, Managing Director, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains:

“This isn’t just a change to the engine layout. This is a change to the way we fundamentally think about Formula One. The way we think about performance. The way we think about responsibility. And the way we think about the influence we can have on the future of mobility.

“These changes have been agreed with all power unit manufacturers. And we will be seeing significant changes at the racetrack in 2026.

“Currently, the combustion engine produces about 80% of the power, and the electrics system about 20% of the power.

“In 2026 this is going to change significantly so that the combustion engine provides approximately 50% of the power and therefore the electrical system the other 50%.”

That jump to a 50/50 split of power across internal combustion and electrical power is a huge step. How exactly is that happening?

“In the current regulations we have an MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit- Heat) which captures waste energy from the turbocharger. This going to be gone for 2026, which means we must rely far more heavily on the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic), which harvests energy during the braking period and stores it for later use.

“The removal of the MGU-H, as a particularly complicated piece of technological innovation, allows new power unit manufacturers to join the competition at a far more level playing field.

“In the current regulations the MGU-K is 120 kilowatts. For next year for 2026 the regulations say the MGU-K can be 250 kilowatts, so almost three times the power. But of course, it won’t be three times the physical size or mass.”

I know we will come to this in the next episode of The Road to 2026 where we’ll focus on the fuel, but how is that 50% of combustion power going to be powered differently from next year?

Chandramalar A.V. Muthiah, Principal (Fuel), PETRONAS: “For the fuel, we are advancing from 10% sustainable to 100% advanced sustainable fuel. It’s a big change and for PETRONAS we are taking the challenge to meet that aspiration. We will see more of this in episode three.

“The 2026 regulations enable us to collaborate with other fuel suppliers to shape the Formula One fuel regulation.”

Chan Ming-Yau, Principal (Fuel Technology), PETRONAS:

“Indeed, the fuel and the engine have a symbiotic relationship. We have made changes to the fuel chemistry to better suit the engine design as it advances. And there have also been some engine changes that better suits the fuel as well.”

Andrea Dolfi, Chief Research and Development Officer, PETRONAS:

“The first source of energy is still coming from the fuel and through the internal combustion engine. To ensure the optimum performance, our PETRONAS Syntium Cooltech technology is enabled to withstand higher temperatures, and therefore higher oxidative stress to ensure we do more with less.

“Also, the electrical parts need to be taken care of. That is the battery and the MGU-K. The battery is cooled with a special dielectric fluid, which is basically surrounding all the cell elements. It’s a technology which is called immersion cooling. And the MGU-K, little secret, is also cooled by the engine oil. So, also must cater for material compatibility and performance.”

How will all this affect the way the drivers go about racing on track?

Hywel Thomas: “The increase in electrical power means they are going to have far more options to attack and defend when they’re going wheel-to-wheel.

“One of the most exciting things about this regulation change is just how relevant it’s going to be to the road car of tomorrow. Just think about it, we’re talking about battery power, about energy, and, of course, advanced sustainable fuel.”

Chan Min-Yau: “It is a direct technology transfer. Whether it’s inside or outside Malaysia, we have had some transfer of technology from the road to the racetrack. And also, from the racetrack to the road.

“What we are learning is informing us of what we should do in road mobility, even beyond motorsports.”

Hywel Thomas: “And we’re already deep into development. The work that we’re doing today will influence directly how successful we are next year and beyond.”