HONDA The Power of Dreams

Formula 1 regulations consist primarily of Sporting Regulations, which govern competition and race operations, and Technical Regulations, which define the technical specifications of the cars.

For 2026, the Technical Regulations will undergo the most significant transformation in F1 history. Under the new rules, Formula 1 cars will be fundamentally redefined. The direction of these changes is twofold: to enhance vehicle dynamics and introduce features that promote closer racing and overtaking, thereby creating more on-track battles, and to transition to a simpler, more sustainable power unit (PU) concept with reduced environmental impact.

• - The base internal combustion engine (ICE) remains a 1.6L V6 turbo, continuing the architecture introduced in 2014.
• - The PU configuration changes significantly. The complex MGU-H is eliminated, while the role of the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) and the battery is substantially expanded.
• - Maximum electrical output from the MGU-K increases dramatically from 120 kW to up to 350 kW.
• - Energy recovery during braking and deceleration is also greatly increased. The recoverable energy per lap is nearly doubled to approximately 8.5 MJ per lap.
• - As a result, the proportion of electrically driven power rises sharply, creating a 50:50 hybrid system in which the ICE and electric motor contribute almost equally to overall output.

While retaining the fundamental hybrid concept, the 2026 PU significantly increases electrification while simplifying the system architecture. Performance and efficiency from the motor, battery, and energy recovery system are expected to improve substantially. These changes emphasize reduced carbon impact and greater relevance to future production technologies.

• - PU fuel will be fully transitioned to 100% sustainable (carbon-neutral) fuel, with the use of conventional fossil fuels prohibited.
• - Strict certification processes will be introduced, including mandatory FIA pre- and post-event fuel sampling and analysis.
• - Fuel flow will no longer be regulated solely by mass flow. Instead, a new system based on energy content and energy density will be adopted.

This shift places greater emphasis on fuel performance while clearly positioning Formula 1 toward the future goal of combining speed with environmental responsibility.

• - PU manufacturers will be subject to strict budget caps, similar to those applied to teams.
• - If significant performance gaps emerge between PUs, the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism may be activated.
  ICE performance will be evaluated every six races based on average output. If a manufacturer’s PU is determined to be 2–4% or more below competitors, additional development allowances may be granted.

Under normal circumstances, once a power unit specification has been approved (homologated), no changes are permitted other than those explicitly allowed. However, this system was introduced in response to the large PU performance disparities seen after the 2014 regulation change. ADUO is regarded as a form of relief for underperforming power units. Depending on the extent of the performance deficit, additional technical upgrades and extended dyno testing time may be permitted.

Based on these major changes, the following outlines how each power unit component will be redefined.

• - 1.6-liter V6 turbo, retaining the current basic layout
• - Maximum output reduced to approximately 400 kW (around 540 PS) due to fuel energy flow rate limits
• - Operates exclusively on 100% sustainable fuel
• - Compression ratio limited to 16:1 (previously 18:1); variable intake systems prohibited

• - Single turbocharger configuration retained
• - With the removal of the MGU-H, turbo lag mitigation becomes a key technical challenge

• - Central element of the new regulations: maximum output increased to 350 kW (approx. 470 PS), nearly three times the current level
• - Energy recovery capacity significantly enhanced

• - Lithium-ion battery technology retained
• - While capacity remains unchanged, increased MGU-K usage places greater importance on durability, degradation control, and discharge performance

• - Integrates energy management between the battery, MGU-K, and ICE
• - Energy deployment strategy becomes a decisive performance factor, increasing the importance of software and control logic

• - Overall vehicle dimensions reduced, with wheelbase shortened by approximately 200 mm to around 3,400 mm, and width reduced from 2,000 mm to approximately 1,900 mm
• - Minimum weight reduced by approximately 30 kg to 768 kg
• - Partial flat floor and lower-efficiency diffuser reduce excessive ground effect. Overall downforce reduced by approximately 30%, while aerodynamic drag is reduced by approximately 55%
• - These changes aim to improve agility and handling while promoting closer racing and overtaking opportunities

• - The conventional DRS (Drag Reduction System) is eliminated. A new Active Aerodynamics system is introduced, allowing both front and rear wings to move
• - This active aerodynamics system features selectable modes, allowing drivers to switch between a low-drag Straight Mode (X-mode) and a standard Corner Mode (Z-mode).
• - A system known as Overtake Mode will be introduced, allowing a driver running within one second of the car ahead to access additional power in order to attempt an overtaking move. This is expected to significantly increase overtaking opportunities.
• - Drivers will be able to deploy energy recovered by the Energy Recovery System (ERS) through a driver-activated Boost Mode. Depending on track position, it can be used both offensively to attack and defensively to protect position.

These sweeping changes to both the power unit and chassis, the 2026 Formula 1 car represents a complete redefinition of the sport’s technical foundation. On-track racing is expected to feature new visuals, new performance characteristics, and new competitive dynamics. How these cars will look, perform, and race under the new regulations is drawing strong attention as Formula 1 moves into its next era.