Three major manufacturers crack solution to feared 2026 engine issue

Mercedes, Red Bull Powertrains, and Audi are believed to have developed an innovative engine mapping strategy to mitigate the feared 'clipping' issue and turbo lag associated with the new 2026 power units. This solution involves redirecting some of the V6 engine's power to charge the battery during partial throttle phases, aiming to ensure a more consistent electrical power supply throughout a lap.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations, which scrap the complex MGU-H and triple the MGU-K's output, introduce a significant technical challenge. Clipping—a sudden loss of straight-line speed when battery energy is depleted—could create major performance deficits and potential safety risks if cars slow dramatically on straights. Solving this issue is critical for competitive parity and on-track safety from the start of the new era.

The details:

• The core innovation is an advanced engine mapping strategy that converts part of the fuel's energy into electrical power.
• During cornering or partial throttle phases, some output from the internal combustion engine (ICE) is diverted to the MGU-K to recharge the battery.
• This approach has a dual purpose: smoothing out turbo lag and, more importantly, reducing the risk of clipping by managing energy deployment more consistently over a full lap.
• The solution could lead to divergent strategic philosophies in 2026, with some teams potentially carrying higher fuel loads to utilize this charging method, while others may accept the clipping risk to run a lighter car.

What's next:

The effectiveness of this solution will be tested when the 2026 cars hit the track, particularly at power-sensitive circuits like Monza. Meanwhile, Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains are also under FIA scrutiny for an alleged exploitation of compression-ratio rules using thermal expansion of components, which could reportedly yield a 15-horsepower gain. How the FIA addresses this and how teams adapt their strategies around the new energy management techniques will be key storylines as the new engine era begins.