FIA has revealed its plans to introduce new power unit regulations for the 2026 Formula 1 Season.
The new power unit regulations are aimed at introducing a budget cap on power unit development for manufacturers which will as well reduce the power unit cost for the teams come 2026. The budget cap regulations were introduced this year with the teams cutting down on their spending, however, the new rules exempted cost cap on power unit development.
with the 2026 rules, it will be possible for F1 newcomers such as the rumoured Volkswagen Group(Audi and Porsche) to enter the sport at a competitive level. However, the FIA has not expounded on exemptions in regards to the new rules.
The cars will also run on 100% sustainable fuel using the current 1.6 Litre turbo V6 engine. The power units will undergo a major change tripling power output from the current 120Kw to over 350Kw. With this, the manufacturers will do away with MGU-H which produces energy from heat and also save on the massive cost of the PU. The move will shift focus to electrical power.
A detailed specification of the 2026 power unit rules and regulations is currently being drawn up for submission to the World Motor Sport Council early next year. FIA also confirmed refinements to the technical regulations for next year had been agreed.
