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
Autosport Explains video: Williams chief aerodynamicist on design changes for F1 2026
Autosport Retro video - Top 10 F1 Cars That Never Won a Title
Great debate: Who will be the 2025 Formula 1 world champion?
What happened to Evans and Solberg at WRC Rally Croatia
WRC Croatia: Pajari holds off Neuville to lead after Friday drama
The key figures Red Bull has lost over the past three years
Trackhouse team owner on why MotoGP must take risks to grow in the US
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