Energy management is at the centre of the Formula 1 2026 technical regulations. The decision to triple the power of the MGU-K compared to last year, but without the MGU-H and with a battery whose capacity has remained unchanged, has presented the teams with a very complex challenge. Even on a single qualifying lap, understanding where and how to deploy the energy requires detailed study.
Having 350 kW available with the same battery capacity means that, especially on demanding tracks like Melbourne, drivers risk running out of energy on the straights if it is managed incorrectly. In the race, this scenario will be almost inevitable, but in qualifying the situation is different.
