Given the many changes that will arrive on the power unit side, the 2026 Formula 1 season is expected to introduce a completely new figure within the pit wall of all F1 teams.
Among the biggest innovations that will be seen on track during the 2026 Formula 1 season, the engine will undoubtedly play a central role. The power unit as we have known it and seen it until now will be significantly revolutionised following the removal of the MGU-H. At the same time, the power produced by the internal combustion engine will be reduced from 560 kW to 400 kW, while the electrical power generated by the battery will increase by 300%, rising from 120 kW to an impressive 350 kW.
This new balance between electric power and internal combustion means that teams and drivers will have to adapt to a different driving style and a new way of managing the available power throughout a lap. In fact, starting next year, the now familiar DRS system will be replaced by new attack modes that will allow drivers to deploy more or less power during on-track battles. As a result, it will be crucial to arrive at the most critical points of the circuit with a sufficient ERS charge, in order to avoid situations where attacking or defending becomes impossible.
A new role appears on the pit wall
In this context, teams appear to have taken an important decision regarding the composition of their trackside personnel for the upcoming seasons. It seems that a new role will be added to the pit wall, specifically designed to help drivers manage the electric side of the power unit. This leads to the introduction of the so-called “ERS engineer”, whose task will be to ensure that the single-seaters always have the necessary battery level during every phase of the race.
It now remains to be seen whether this new figure will be shared between both drivers or whether each driver will have their own dedicated engineer. Another key question is whether all teams will decide to introduce this role in the same way. What is certain is that this change will require an adaptation period from an organisational point of view, so that all systems and communication processes can work together seamlessly under the demanding conditions of a Formula 1 race weekend.
As the countdown to this new era begins, the battle for supremacy will be fought as much on the pit wall as it is on the asphalt. While the mechanical shift to 2026 is daunting, it is the integration of these new specialized roles that may ultimately decide the pecking order. Whether it’s Ferrari or their rivals, the team that best synchronizes its drivers with their new ERS engineers will likely hold the keys to the next generation of Formula 1 glory.
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