F1 set to introduce radical changes to the gearbox and fuel load in the 2026 season
The 2026 F1 regulations aim to make the sport more sustainable.
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Formula 1 (Credits: F1)
The 2026 F1 regulations will include sustainable fuels and increased electrical power. The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic) currently contributes 120 kilowatts to the power unit. In 2026, it would be 350 kilowatts. This major change would have consequences as the weight of the units will increase from 40 kilograms to 190 kilograms.
According to the reports, the 2026 car will be powered by biofuel as part of F1’s “Net Zero” efforts to reduce carbon emissions. With the increase in electric power, fuel dependency will decrease. The sport aims to reduce the fuel load from the 2026 season onwards. It would be a massive reduction from the current 110 kg. There will also be other sustainable methods that the new regulations will adopt.
As per reports, the cars must use only 30 kg of fuel to generate electric power. The combustion power will drop by almost 200 hp, from 760 to 570 hp. Although, the system performance would mostly remain the same.
The maximum output would no longer be determined by the fuel but by the energy. The regulations will include a new F1 gearbox with six gears instead of 8. Currently, there are seven forward gears and one reverse gear. However, F1 cars used to have six gears before.
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Christian Horner is not fond of the 2026 regulations
Christian Horner suggested that the internal combustion engine should not become a generator for charging the battery. He wants to correct the ratio of electric to combustion power by five to ten percent minimum. He claims it would be better for the chassis rules. However, many believe his criticism is based on the fact that they might not have a good technical plan.
Horner stated, “As positive as the introduction of sustainable fuels is, we should consider before it is too late what ratio of electric power and power from the internal combustion engine we are striving for. We must not create technical Frankenstein cars in which the chassis has to pay for the sins of the drive.”
Apart from the mentioned changes, it was unanimously agreed to shorten the wheelbase of the cars by 30 centimeters. The 2026 regulations have already received criticism, especially from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. He does not think there will be enough slipstream or DRS to overtake and claims it would not be good for the show. However, it remains to be seen whether the regulations would benefit the sport despite its sustainable approach.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)