P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ahead of the F1 regulations revamp coming into force in 2026, Ferrari power unit technical director Enrico Gualtieri spoke with RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti — and others — about what to expect from the engine side of the rules reset.
The 2026 F1 regulations overhaul is not just about aerodynamics; the power unit will also be central to the transformation, with new engines being the cornerstone of the changes. Uncertainty still looms with just a month left before the first private test session at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Concrete certainties are scarce for all teams, leading to discussions like the one RacingNews365 had with Ferrari’s power unit technical director to shed light on the future. The countdown to the first car launches and on-track running continues, with Ferrari unveiling its new car on January 23.
Major changes to the 2026 power units include an equal split in maximum power output between the internal combustion engine and electric component, and energy recovery solely via the MGU-K. Engineers face challenges due to the increase in electric power, affecting battery sustainability and recharging complexity. Despite the changes, races are not expected to be dominated by “lift and coast” tactics; software governing energy deployment will be crucial for performance.
The effective balance between pace and battery management will be crucial for competitive advantage, with active aerodynamics playing a role in offsetting energy limitations. Performance gaps between cars are not anticipated with active aerodynamics, as its integration with electronic control strategies will determine its effectiveness. Drivers are expected to have a more significant role in managing the new power unit dynamics.
