Changes to Formula 1 regulations for 2026: New rules for energy recovery and the development of hybrid components
According to these changes, the limit for recoverable energy during Formula 1 qualifying on certain tracks can be reduced from a maximum of 8.5 megajoules (MJ) to up to five MJ. This is intended to prevent extreme recuperation strategies and discourage drivers from braking too hard before corners, for example.
This would have been a particular problem on race tracks with few braking zones, as drivers would not have been able to recover enough energy to fully recharge the battery. Out of concern about tactical games involving potentially dangerous maneuvers, this adjustment was therefore decided at the most recent World Council meeting.
It applies to both regular Grand Prix qualifying and the shorter sprint qualifying, but has no impact on the races in the 2026 Formula 1 season: the maximum values previously adopted will remain in place for the race distance, which, in conjunction with active aerodynamics, will play a key role in the performance of the new cars.
According to Formula 1 newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli, this puts the driver back in the spotlight. He says: “In battery management, you as a driver can make a difference by not immediately going full throttle in certain sections or when cornering in order to save energy and have more in reserve for the straights. Driving style will be crucial.”
Restrictions on technical development lifted
At the same time, the International Automobile Federation has given the green light to the development of energy recovery: previous time limits on test bench use were lifted at the latest World Council meeting. Manufacturers therefore enjoy greater freedom in this area, but only there: existing restrictions on combustion engines remain unchanged.
Earlier versions of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations initially provided for 510 operating hours for the development of energy recovery. From 2027, this figure was to be reduced to 410 hours per season up to and including 2030. All of this has been completely dropped under the new regulations.
In addition, those responsible have retroactively lifted the limits that were previously in place for the period from 2022 to 2025. A total of 3,430 operating hours had been approved for development over a period of four years. Development in this area is now completely unrestricted.
Under the Formula 1 regulations that will come into force in 2026, combustion engines and hybrid components will each provide approximately 50 percent of the total output of around 1,000 hp.
