P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The new F1 power unit regulations are hybrid, like the current generation, but there is also a further step into the unknown for teams.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has cautioned that certain F1 teams might not perform optimally at the beginning of the 2026 season due to the championship’s shift towards heavily-electrified power units. The implementation of circuit-specific energy deployment limits under the new regulations era could lead to challenges for manufacturers. The almost equal split between conventional and electric power, with the combustion engine delivering 400kW and hybrid components 350kW, presents a new dynamic for power unit optimization. Regulators have introduced rules to prevent drivers from using unnatural techniques, such as harvesting extra energy by lifting off mid-straight. Specific regulations impose caps on ERS-K energy harvesting per lap, varying based on circuit characteristics and event types, raising questions on manufacturers’ adaptability. Despite the system’s complexity, Tombazis assures that transparency and simplicity will be maintained for spectators, ensuring F1 remains accessible to all without requiring advanced engineering knowledge.
