Autosport Explains video: The engineering challenges of F1's new power unit rules
A huge shift in F1's regulations this season has been highlighted by new power units. So what has actually changed?
Autosport Explains
Our experts decode the most important stories in motorsport.
F1's 2026 power unit regulations represent the sport's biggest engineering shake-up in years — and the effects are already showing on track. In this edition of Autosport Explains, Jake Boxall-Legge sat down with Powertrains Engineer Estanis Buigues Mahiques to break down what's actually changed: a weaker combustion engine, tripled electric output, the death of the MGU-H, and a new energy management philosophy that's closer to Formula E than anything F1 fans have seen before.
From turbo lag at race starts to cars dropping into first gear through slow corners, Estanis explains the engineering realities behind the quirks teams are scrambling to solve as the season gets underway.
Share Or Save This Story
From the archive: When Niki Lauda led an F1 driver strike in 1982
Great debate: Who will be the 2025 Formula 1 world champion?
LIVE: F1 Miami Grand Prix updates - Antonelli wins from Norris, Leclerc spins on final lap
How Rally Portugal served up WRC redemption for Neuville
Hall at the British Hillclimb summit after incredibly close early rounds
Norman conquers England in Armed Forces opener at Silverstone 750MC event
The F1 drivers to take on the Nurburgring 24 Hours before Verstappen
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments