• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): A turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine with a maximum RPM of 15,000, serving as the primary source of power.

• Turbocharger: Increases air intake pressure, enhancing engine efficiency and power output.

• Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K): Converts kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy and stores it in the Energy Store (ES).

• Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H): Captures thermal energy from the turbocharger and converts it into electrical energy.

• Energy Store (ES): A lithium-ion battery that stores energy recovered by the MGU-K and MGU-H.

• Control Electronics (CE): Manages the flow of energy between components and optimizes performance.

The functioning of the 2014 F1 power unit combines traditional and hybrid technologies:

• During acceleration, the ICE generates power while the turbocharger ensures optimal air intake for combustion.

• The MGU-K adds additional power by converting stored electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels.

• The MGU-H harvests excess heat energy from the turbocharger and converts it into electrical energy.

• Recovered energy is stored in the ES and can be deployed to enhance acceleration or power the MGU-K.

• The CE monitors and optimizes energy flow, ensuring efficiency and compliance with regulations.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

In the turbocharged 1.6L internal combustion engine, the regulations limit the fuel flow to the engine to promote efficiency, meaning that teams must optimise combustion to extract the maximum power possible within the constraints. These engines produce in excess of 600 horsepower and utilise thermal efficiency techniques to achieve more with less fuel.

Key ICE Specs:

• Power: >600 horsepower

• Fuel Flow: Regulated

• Efficiency: High thermal efficiency

Energy Recovery System (ERS)

As mentioned, the Formula 1’s Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) feature two motor generator units, the MGU-H and the MGU-K:

Since 2014, F1 power units have comprised a 1.6-liter V6 direct-injection single-turbo engine and two types of energy recovery system. One of those energy recovery systems is the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic), a kinetic energy recovery system connected to the crankshaft with the main task of converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Regulations specify a maximum output of 120 kW and maximum rotational speed of 50,000 rpm for the MGU-K. 

The other energy recovery system is the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit - Heat), a heat energy recovery system coaxially arranged with the turbocharger and with the task of converting heat energy from the exhaust gas into electrical energy. MGU-H output is not regulated, so there are no setting restrictions, but the regulations specify maximum rotational speed of 125,000 rpm. 

• MGU-H energy flow: The turbocharger (comprising a turbine and a compressor) and MGU-H (converting heat energy into electrical energy) are both driven by exhaust energy from the internal combustion engine (ICE). Energy converted into rotational movement by the turbine is used for MGU-H and compressor work. Energy loss is reduced by improving the efficiency of the turbine, thereby increasing the amount of energy available for use by the MGU-H and compressor. By improving the efficiency of the MGU-H and compressor as well, the amount of work that can be done by each is increased. 

The maximum amount of electrical energy that the MGU-K is allowed to send to the Energy Store (ES), which is essentially a lithium-ion battery, is 2 MJ per lap. At the same time, a maximum of 4 MJ of energy per lap is allowed to be sent from the ES to the MGU-K. There are no limits, however, on the amount of energy that can be output by the MGU-H, or exchanged with the ES. 

Turbocharger

The turbocharger is pivotal in enhancing the power unit’s capability. By compressing the intake air, it allows more oxygen to enter the combustion chamber, thus generating more power from each explosion within the cylinders. To regulate the increased air temperature from compression, an intercooler is employed. This technology not only increases power but also plays a role in energy recovery, with the MGU-H harnessing energy from the turbocharger’s waste heat.

Turbocharging System:

• Component: Turbocharger

• Function: Compresses intake air for more power

• Associated Tech: Intercooler reduces air temperature after compression

The hybrid era brought significant changes to Formula 1:

• Efficiency: Power units achieve over 50% thermal efficiency, a remarkable leap in engineering.

• Performance: Despite using less fuel, power units produce over 1000 horsepower.

• Technology Transfer: Innovations in hybrid systems influence road car technology, promoting sustainability.

• Complexity: Teams faced challenges in reliability, cost management, and mastering hybrid systems.

The functioning of the 2026 F1 power unit builds on hybrid technology advancements:

• The ICE is optimized to work with 100% sustainable fuels, reducing carbon emissions significantly.

• The MGU-K contributes a larger proportion of total power at 350 kW or 50% of the total horsepower, supporting the push toward electrification.

• The ERS recovers energy from braking and deploys it for acceleration, ensuring a seamless balance between ICE and hybrid systems, this system plays a major role on the energy recovery with the elimination of the MGU-H.

• The energy store is designed to be more compact and efficient, aiding in weight reduction and performance gains. The MGU-K will be enclosed within the chassis, improving safety and enhancing a more compact car.

• Control electronics ensure compliance with regulations and enhance reliability in dynamic race conditions.

The 2026 regulations aim to achieve significant milestones in sustainability and competition:

• Sustainability: The use of 100% sustainable fuels aligns with F1's net-zero carbon goals.

• Performance: Enhanced energy recovery and deployment capabilities ensure competitive racing.

• Cost Efficiency: Standardized components and simplified systems reduce overall costs for teams.

• Innovation: Accelerated development of hybrid and sustainable technologies benefits both motorsport and the automotive industry, attracting new car manufacturers that are in the search for R&D directly impacting the road transport.