Monza Set to Test 2026 Power Units Hardest
Monza's long straights and minimal braking zones will demand the most from 2026 power units under new energy rules. The FIA has set the lowest harvest limit yet at 5MJ per lap to curb clipping. Top speeds are projected lower than at Hungary. Drivers and teams expect early battery drain on straights followed by ICE-only running.
Energy Demands Peak at Monza
Monza features the longest straights and fewest braking zones on the 2026 calendar. These characteristics limit energy recovery for the new power units, which rely more on electric power. The FIA set the lowest harvest limit of the season at 5MJ per lap for Monza.[1]
Projected Performance Shift
Simulations show top speeds at Monza will fall below those recorded in Hungary. Cars will exhaust battery assistance early on straights and finish on combustion engine power alone. The 5MJ cap reduces super clipping risk while still forcing conservative deployment.[1]
Track-Specific Challenges
Few braking zones mean drivers harvest less energy than at circuits such as Austria. The result is earlier power fade on the main straight and the run to Roggia. Haas noted Monza as a particularly power-sensitive circuit when introducing its latest Ferrari unit.[3]
Related reading
- [1]How F1's 5MJ rule will lead to lower top speeds at Monza than in Hungary (motorsport). Accessed 2026-09-04.
- [2]Temple of Clipping? Why Monza is F1 2026's hardest test (motorsportmagazine). Accessed 2026-09-04.
- [3]Why both Haas drivers are getting Monza aero upgrades – but only Ollie Bearman has a new PU (formula1). Accessed 2026-09-04.