P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 2026 Regulations: What is Recharge mode
The 2026 F1 season is undergoing a major transformation with significant changes to chassis and power unit regulations.
The cars in 2026 are smaller and lighter, powered by new 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid power units with an emphasis on increased electrical energy output.
The power split between the internal combustion engine and the 350kW electrical MGU-K system is now almost 50/50 following the removal of the MGU-H.
Energy management has become more advanced, with a focus on energy recovery through braking and ‘super clipping’, which were key talking points during the 2026 pre-season testing.
New elements like ‘Recharge mode’ and ‘super clipping’ play a vital role in energy management, allowing drivers to control battery capacity and recharge it using recovered energy.
The Recharge mode includes automated functions controlled by the engine control unit, with drivers having control over lift-off regen, a technique involving lifting off the accelerator early to allow the MGU-K to harvest energy.
Overall, the 2026 regulations aim to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in F1 while introducing new strategies for drivers to optimize performance on the track.
