FIA chaos: now asking to reduce the MGU-K, but Honda cannot recover energy even at 250 kW
To promote overtaking, the FIA asked teams to try a reduced MGU-K power during F1 tests. However, Honda’s power unit struggles to recover energy even at this lower limit.
2026 regulations: MGU-K reduction proposal
The FIA’s 2026 regulations, aimed at a full technical revolution, may be adjusted immediately. Following the issues highlighted during the latest F1 Commission meeting, the Federation asked teams to test runs with a reduced MGU-K power: from 350 kW down to 250 kW. This lower limit reduces the need for battery recharge, limits lift-and-coast usage, and theoretically makes overtaking easier.
During long runs at the Sakhir tests, drivers experienced difficulties overtaking, prompting the FIA to accelerate potential regulation changes, either through this measure or other adjustments, possibly as early as spring.
Honda’s difficulties and Aston Martin
On this topic, the F1 Commission also highlighted Aston Martin’s struggles. According to BBC reports, team principal Adrian Newey stated that the Honda power unit is unable to recover energy even at the lower limit of 250 kW, let alone at the 350 kW limit, which is applied under certain circumstances according to the current complex rules.
Aston Martin is going through a difficult pre-season. This Honda issue is just the latest in a series of problems caused by insufficient work from the Japanese manufacturer, affecting Lawrence Stroll’s team. Aston Martin arrived late to the Montmeló shakedown and completed the fewest laps during the Bahrain tests.
The FIA’s attempt to “fix” the racing by lowering power limits might actually be a lifeline for struggling manufacturers, but it highlights a significant “mess” in the original 2026 vision. With the season opener fast approaching, the pressure is on both the regulators and Honda to find a solution that doesn’t leave the grid in a state of technical imbalance before the first race has even begun.
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