2025/2026 Hybrid Powerunit speculation

[wuzak]

MGU-K energy recovery during cornering in 2026 against an increased ICE revs will require the driver to also lightly brake, in short the brake pedal will have to be used. The increased ICE revs will be allowed to happen even if driver lifts off throttle by special maps.

Where do you get the idea that the driver has to brake to get energy recovery?

We have shown you regulations that allow recovery under driver maximum power demand and how the fuel flow changes for part throttle, but you have yet to cite a regulation that requires the driver to brake to initiate energy recovery.

The mechanical brakes are still hydraulically linked to the brake pedal, or at least the fronts are. So any "light braking" will also activate them, and reduce the amount of energy that can be recovered.

The ICE fuel flow follows the same outline as the current regulations, with the peak fuel flow occurring at 10,500rpm and maximum speed of 15,000rpm.

Why would the PU have "increased ICE revs"?

Unless they've somehow made it more conducive to rev higher, the power band will, likely, be similar to today - from ~10,000 to ~13,000 rpm.

[gruntguru]

''Time to put an end to this nonsense'' Far from it. The 2026 formula 1 regulations depicts a bidirectional energy flow arrow between the ICE and MGU-K through a newly simplified power unit that removes the MGU-H. The MGU-K will now have a dual function: It harvests kinetic energy from braking to store in battery, and it can also receive energy from the ICE to deliver power to the drivetrain, creating a more interconnected system.

Firstly - There is no need for the MGU-K to "receive energy from the ICE to deliver power to the powertrain" - power can be sent directly from the ICE to the wheels as it has for over 100 years.

Secondly - did you read and understand points 2. and 3. in my post? What is your explanation for the regulations allowing enough fuel for maximum ICE output, when the driver is only at part throttle - requesting only 218 KW to the wheels?

[wuzak]

Secondly - did you read and understand points 2. and 3. in my post? What is your explanation for the regulations allowing enough fuel for maximum ICE output, when the driver is only at part throttle - requesting only 218 KW to the wheels?

Maybe that's where "extra rpm" comes from?

In order to maximise energy recovery, they may use a lower gear than currently, so that the maximum fuel flow can be accessed, rather than the fuel flow restricted by rpm.

[gruntguru]

I have to ask, if the limit of energy recovery per lap is 8.5MJ . . . .
. . . . Albert Park: ~8.5s braking, 2,975KJ possible recovery (ie not even 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Red Bull Ring: ~8.6s braking, 3,010KJ possible recovery (just 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Monza: 9.25s braking, 3,237kJ (ie just over 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Silverstone: ~11s braking, 3,850kJ - still haven't filled the battery
Jeddah: ~11s braking, 3,850kJ - still haven't filled the battery
Singapore: ~17s, 5,950kJ (can fill the battery 1.5 times, but still not teh maximum 8.5MJ)
Monaco: ~19s, 6,650kJ (getting closer)
Baku: ~19s, 6,650kJ (7 of the braking events are classified as hard, 2 medium, 3 light)

Not sure where you slipped up here Wuzak but:
2,975 KJ = 2.975 MJ - about 1/3 of the permitted 8.5 MJ.
etc

[gruntguru]

Secondly - did you read and understand points 2. and 3. in my post? What is your explanation for the regulations allowing enough fuel for maximum ICE output, when the driver is only at part throttle - requesting only 218 KW to the wheels?

Maybe that's where "extra rpm" comes from?

In order to maximise energy recovery, they may use a lower gear than currently, so that the maximum fuel flow can be accessed, rather than the fuel flow restricted by rpm.

Yes, if they need to maximise harvest, we will hear them at 10,500 rpm or higher in corners.

[Badger]

I have to ask, if the limit of energy recovery per lap is 8.5MJ . . . .
. . . . Albert Park: ~8.5s braking, 2,975KJ possible recovery (ie not even 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Red Bull Ring: ~8.6s braking, 3,010KJ possible recovery (just 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Monza: 9.25s braking, 3,237kJ (ie just over 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Silverstone: ~11s braking, 3,850kJ - still haven't filled the battery
Jeddah: ~11s braking, 3,850kJ - still haven't filled the battery
Singapore: ~17s, 5,950kJ (can fill the battery 1.5 times, but still not teh maximum 8.5MJ)
Monaco: ~19s, 6,650kJ (getting closer)
Baku: ~19s, 6,650kJ (7 of the braking events are classified as hard, 2 medium, 3 light)

Not sure where you slipped up here Wuzak but:
2,975 KJ = 2.975 MJ - about 1/3 of the permitted 8.5 MJ.
etc

He states “battery capacity”, ie 4 MJ.

[wuzak]

I have to ask, if the limit of energy recovery per lap is 8.5MJ . . . .
. . . . Albert Park: ~8.5s braking, 2,975KJ possible recovery (ie not even 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Red Bull Ring: ~8.6s braking, 3,010KJ possible recovery (just 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Monza: 9.25s braking, 3,237kJ (ie just over 3/4 of the battery capacity)
Silverstone: ~11s braking, 3,850kJ - still haven't filled the battery
Jeddah: ~11s braking, 3,850kJ - still haven't filled the battery
Singapore: ~17s, 5,950kJ (can fill the battery 1.5 times, but still not teh maximum 8.5MJ)
Monaco: ~19s, 6,650kJ (getting closer)
Baku: ~19s, 6,650kJ (7 of the braking events are classified as hard, 2 medium, 3 light)

Not sure where you slipped up here Wuzak but:
2,975 KJ = 2.975 MJ - about 1/3 of the permitted 8.5 MJ.
etc

He states “battery capacity”, ie 4 MJ.

Yes, battery capacity.

Battery capacity will be a limiting factor for tracks with long straights.

Some of those tracks also have trouble with braking energy recovery.

[Badger]

Not sure where you slipped up here Wuzak but:
2,975 KJ = 2.975 MJ - about 1/3 of the permitted 8.5 MJ.
etc

He states “battery capacity”, ie 4 MJ.

Yes, battery capacity.

Battery capacity will be a limiting factor for tracks with long straights.

Some of those tracks also have trouble with braking energy recovery.

Yeah but they won't be using much full deployment. I'll put my MS paint skills to the test and show how I think it will work.

Basically you'll need to balance the area under the curve across the lap so that it is plus-minus zero. As long as your state of charge max "delta" doesn't exceed 4 MJ across the lap, the battery capacity shouldn't be a limiting factor.