2025/2026 Hybrid Powerunit speculation

[wuzak]

If they add a generator on the front axle for 2026, how will this affect the racing?

Also, what would happen if they’re allowed to harvest more energy per lap? With or without the front generator

Harevsting the energy allowed will be difficult and require burning extra fuel to achieve it.

Harvesting more would likely require a larger, and heavier, battery.

I've said it before, I don't think front harvesting will help much, unless the total recovery power is much greater.

And it doesn't help with the deployment if the front MGU also deploys.
You would still run out of energy quickly.

[saviour stivala]

Braking will be the only way to recover energy in 2026. The battery (ES) can only be charged by braking. But the brakes will not be the only way to slow down the car.

[DenBommer]

If they add a generator on the front axle for 2026, how will this affect the racing?

Also, what would happen if they’re allowed to harvest more energy per lap? With or without the front generator

Harevsting the energy allowed will be difficult and require burning extra fuel to achieve it.

Harvesting more would likely require a larger, and heavier, battery.

I've said it before, I don't think front harvesting will help much, unless the total recovery power is much greater.

And it doesn't help with the deployment if the front MGU also deploys.
You would still run out of energy quickly.

So, is a front generator just not a good idea? especially considering they want the cars to be smaller and lighter?

[wuzak]

If they add a generator on the front axle for 2026, how will this affect the racing?

Also, what would happen if they’re allowed to harvest more energy per lap? With or without the front generator

Harevsting the energy allowed will be difficult and require burning extra fuel to achieve it.

Harvesting more would likely require a larger, and heavier, battery.

I've said it before, I don't think front harvesting will help much, unless the total recovery power is much greater.

And it doesn't help with the deployment if the front MGU also deploys.
You would still run out of energy quickly.

So, is a front generator just not a good idea? especially considering they want the cars to be smaller and lighter?

A front generator certainly wouldn't help the quest for lightness.

[wuzak]

Braking will be the only way to recover energy in 2026. The battery (ES) can only be charged by braking. But the brakes will not be the only way to slow down the car.

The battery can be charged:

• During braking (driver uses brake pedal)
• Under Full Throttle - at the end of maximum power demand sections, ie straights, the MGUK output can be reduced up to 600kW, down to -250kW. That is, up to 250kW can begenerated when the driver is at full throttle. This will slow the car by a small amount.
• Under Part Throttle - when the power demand is less than the ICE can produce, the MGUK can be used to generate some power. Thsi could slow the car, or be at a steady speed, or under acceleration (in traction zones, for example).
• Lift and Coast - Driver lifts off the throttle early to allow the car to coast to the corner, using the aero to slow the car. The MGUK may also be used to generate some power and slow the car more.

Only in the first is the driver actively braking, the last is also used to slow the car, mainly for fuel saving and prtecting the brakes. The second will slow the car, but that is not the purpose of doing it.