"The current engines gave us great racing," claims Mekies as he reflects on the power units
"The current engines gave us great racing," claimed Laurent Mekies as he reflected on the current power units that were introduced in 2014 and will be replaced by a heavily-modified configuration next season.
Although there are still eight races to complete this season, teams have already begun their preparing for Formula 1's technical overhaul which will lead to all-new cars in 2026.
The basic architecture of F1's hybrid power was introduced back in 2014. It is a turbocharged 1.6 litre V6 engine, complemented by an exceptionally efficient energy recovery system.
This is split into two parts: the MGU-K (motor-generator unit – kinetic) is similar to the technology used by road-going hybrids, harvesting energy when the car brakes; the MGU-H (motor-generator unit – heat) is powered by the stream of hot exhaust gases, generating electrical energy from the turbocharger when it's not being used to pressurise engine air.
The 2026 regulations simplify F1's power units by doing away with the MGU-H. Its loss is compensated by a much more potent MGU-K. The amount of electrical power that can be generated is rising from 120kW to 350kW, while the amount of energy being recovered under braking will double, to around 8.5 megajoules per lap.
In addition, from 2026, Formula 1 will switch to 100% sustainable fuel, but the expected price increase is far higher than current levels. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has stressed that the sport needs to keep in mind how big of a step it will be to switch to sustainable fuel.
Asked how the engines that came in in 2014 will be remembered in F1, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies said: "I think you're asking about the legacy of this engine generation. I think this generation of engines –the ones we currently have… It is and will remain the highest-efficiency engines on the planet.
"As much as these power units have had their fair share of criticism, that’s what they are. As engineers, it still amazes us – to get above 50% efficiency on an ICE plus hybrid is incredible. Technologically, these engines are amazing.
"They gave us great racing. Of course, we probably all underestimated the level of complexity they would eventually reach, but that’s also what Formula 1 is about.
"We now have another huge challenge with the 2026 regs, that’s exciting again lots of speculation – the sustainable fuel, the energy balance. But that’s what F1 is here for," added Mekies.
