Thermodynamic evaluation of 2026 Power Unit technical regulation changes in Formula 1

Abstract

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced a Power Unit (PU) Regulation change for its Formula 1 (F1) Championship that will become valid from the 2026 season in pursuit of carbon neutralization and a higher commercial value. The change includes a full switch to sustainable fuel and an increase in the power of the electric power output to the car’s axles but removed energy retrieving and recovery from the turbocharger. The choice to use fully sustainable fuel will lead to a richer burn. On the other hand, the increase in the hybrid system capacity will outweigh the removal of energy retrieving and recovering from the turbocharger and cause an overall increase in thermal efficiency. Also, the changes are bringing a cost reduction for PU suppliers, which is an attraction for them. The increase in electric power will also integrate the car with new driving characteristics. This paper focuses on respective reviews of the 2023 and 2026 F1 PU Technical Regulations and gives an evaluation of the process for the improvements.