Adrian Newey reveals ‘strange formula” of 2026 F1 power units

Red Bull will build its own power units in partnership with Ford in 2026.

Adrian Newey reveals ‘strange formula” of 2026 F1 power units

Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Formula 1 will start a new era in 2026 with major rule changes for power units and chassis. The power unit regulations have already received the green light with manufacturers putting their full might into development. However, Red Bull aero-genius Adrian Newey revealed a strange aspect regarding the upcoming F1 engines.

The 2026 F1 power units will have a 50/50 output from the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric elements. Moreover, the ICEs are expected to be used as generators for electrical power. This could lead to the engine running full revs even at slow corners.

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Adrian Newey claimed that the use of the ICE as full-time generators was a rather strange formula in the new regulations. The Briton reckoned that it would take time for the F1 paddock to get used to hear the full revs of the engine at Monaco’s iconic hairpin in the coming years.

It's certainly going to be a strange formula in as much as the engines will be working flat-chat as generators just about the whole time. So, the prospect of the engine working hard in the middle of Loews hairpin is going to take some getting used to.
Adrian Newey told Motorsport.com

Max Verstappen claims F1 realized lack of target efficiency in new regulations

During the Japanese GP weekend, race-winner Max Verstappen claimed that Formula 1 potentially realized that the new power units did not meet the efficiency target. This could’ve lead to the problems the sport faces in finalizing the chassis rules for 2026. Previously, the Dutchman had criticized F1’s plans to bring active aero with the new regulations.

I think they realised that on the engine side, not everything is as efficient as everyone thought after all.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by Motorsport.com
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO).
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO).

Adrian Newey highlighted that the debate in F1 over the regulations was perhaps due to the relevance of the rule set for manufacturers. All power unit manufacturers, including Mercedes and Audi would want the new regulations were relevant for road cars. Teams are yet to sign the Concorde agreement for 2026 with reports emerging that a 10-team limit might be imposed on the grid.

The key aspect, certainly for the manufacturers although they will never admit it, is the perception of relevance in the show room.
Adrian Newey stated

Certainly, the 2026 F1 regulations will have a massive impact on the sport. The upcoming regulations could shake-up the pecking order and perhaps challenge Max Verstappen’s dominance. However, fans would need to wait to see how the grid shapes up in 2026.

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