The next generation of Formula 1 Power Unit (PU) regulations is set to have a significant impact on the 2026 Formula 1 season and beyond. This has become a popular topic of discussion among drivers and car manufacturers. In August 2022, the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved the new regulations.
According to the information outlined in the new rules, there will be a major transformation in F1 racing as old engines will be replaced by powerful electric motors. The new engines will prioritize sustainable practices.
These changes have impressed several racing car manufacturers, including Honda and Audi. Six manufacturers, namely Red Bull, Honda, Ferrari, Audi, Alpine, and Mercedes, will introduce their new engines in 2026.
While car manufacturers are embracing electrification, there are some important details to be known about the new regulations.
Starting in 2026, there will no longer be Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) systems in F1 races. These systems use exhaust gas entropy to power the turbine. This change is expected to encourage participation from car manufacturers like Audi, Porsche, and other new brands.
These systems are not particularly relevant to ordinary road cars, which is why Volkswagen has been hesitant to produce them. According to the FIA, the new regulations will make it easier for new brands to enter the race.
Furthermore, the elimination of MGU-H systems may level the playing field, reducing the advantages enjoyed by existing power unit producers. Both Porsche and Volkswagen have officially announced their plans to enter Formula 1, with Porsche partnering with Red Bull.
According to the new regulations, Formula 1 power systems will operate exclusively on 100% sustainable fuels. Formula 1 has successfully tested these fuels in partnership with ARAMCO. This means that the engines will not burn new fossil carbon, instead using non-food sources or municipal waste to produce carbon.
Currently, racing cars are equipped with a turbo V-6 1.6-liter internal combustion engine. However, these engines will undergo significant advances. Starting in 2026, all Formula 1 cars will be equipped with more powerful and high-performance electrical components.
Instead of the MGU-H, the Kinetic Generator Motor or MGU-K will be used, resulting in a triple increase in electrical power, thanks to the integration of hybrid components. Additionally, this system will be able to harness more braking energy, enabling the creation of approximately 350 kW. In contrast, MGU-H systems are only capable of generating 120 kW.
With the implementation of higher electrical power, the engines will consume less fuel while still producing over 1000 horsepower. Consequently, this will lead to an increase in the noise levels emitted by the cars. In 2013, drivers were allowed to start the race with 160 kg of fuel.
However, by 2020, this limit was reduced to 100 kg. Formula 1 plans to further reduce fuel consumption to 70 kg during the Grand Prix starting in 2026. The feasibility of this goal has been supported by numerous studies, all of which have demonstrated positive results.
De acordo com as informações fornecidas, os novos sistemas MGU-K serão instalados dentro da estrutura do carro, próximo à eletrônica de controle e à bateria. Todos os equipamentos de alto consumo de energia serão colocados em um compartimento altamente seguro. Consequentemente, os carros de corrida serão mais seguros em comparação com os veículos atuais.
Os novos regulamentos se concentram em limites de custo específicos para o motor. Além disso, eles incluem regras que proíbem o uso de materiais caros. Além disso, os fabricantes de carros agora darão prioridade ao uso de componentes padronizados. Essas medidas podem contribuir para a redução de custos.
Especialistas sugerem que as novas regras podem limitar as horas no dinamômetro, mas a criatividade continuará sem restrições. Engenheiros e fabricantes podem continuar desenvolvendo novos componentes e sistemas elétricos que promovam um futuro sustentável. Os regulamentos afirmam que os fabricantes só podem usar 3 sistemas de potência por carro por temporada.
Sempre que os regulamentos mudam na F1, novos desafios podem ser esperados. No caso dos novos regulamentos da F1 2026, a remoção dos sistemas MGU-H existentes representa o maior problema. Alguns especialistas afirmam que, sem esse sistema, as equipes terão que depender de outros sistemas de recuperação de energia, potencialmente reintroduzindo o problema do turbo lag.
Turbo lag refers to the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing power to the engine. Without the MGU-H, drivers may experience a delay in power delivery, especially coming out of corners. This can make the cars more difficult to control, requiring the development of new techniques to deal with this issue. Additionally, drivers will need to carefully consider when to use electric power. The new regulations require all drivers to handle energy usage cautiously.
F1 now places greater emphasis on waste minimization and adopting more environmentally responsible practices. Starting in 2026, battery recycling will be mandatory according to the new rules. Furthermore, materials like cobalt will also undergo recycling.
The new regulations will result in shorter and narrower cars, reducing drag and making the chassis lighter. Official announcements about the final decisions on the cars will be made in June 2024, giving manufacturers approximately 18 to 20 months to create the ideal machine.
So far, Formula 1 has successfully attracted two new brands. Refer to the table below for more information on the power unit manufacturers for the new regulations.
The introduction of a new power system will certainly make Formula 1 more exciting and faster than ever, while also promoting responsibility and sustainability.
If you are an avid F1 racing fan and enjoy online betting on Formula 1, it is advisable to stay updated on these changes. This will enhance your ability to make well-informed decisions. Save this site now to stay informed about all the latest updates from each Formula 1 event.
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