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Glossary

F1 power unit (ICE, turbo, MGU-K, ERS)

Answer

An F1 power unit is the whole hybrid propulsion package, not just the engine. It combines a turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE) with an energy recovery system (ERS) that harvests energy and redeploys it for extra power. From 2026 the electrical share roughly doubles, the MGU-H is dropped, and the fuel is fully sustainable.

The parts

  • ICE: the 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine at the core of the unit[2].
  • Turbocharger: forces more air into the engine for more power from the same capacity.
  • MGU-K: a motor-generator that harvests energy under braking and redeploys it as a power boost on acceleration[2].
  • ERS and battery: the energy recovery system stores harvested energy in a battery and feeds it back to the MGU-K[2].
  • MGU-H: a unit that recovered heat energy from the turbo. It is removed under the 2026 rules[1].

What changes for 2026

The 2026 power unit keeps the V6 turbo-hybrid layout but rebalances it heavily toward electric power, with the electrical contribution rising from around 120kW to 350kW, the MGU-H deleted, and the engine running on 100% advanced sustainable fuel[1]. See the full 2026 regulations explainer.

Related terms
Sources
  1. [1]2026 regulations explained: F1's new power units (formula1). Accessed 2026-06-18.
  2. [2]Formula One engines (Wikipedia) (wikipedia-en). Accessed 2026-06-18.
Published 2026-06-18