Scuderia Ferrari is actively looking towards the future in Formula 1, which, in some respects, has already begun. Regarding the design of future aerodynamic configurations, teams are not yet authorized to undertake any work in the wind tunnel or Computational Fluid Dynamics until January 1, 2025. Conversely, work on the new generation of power units is proceeding at a rapid pace. This is necessary due to the significant changes to the architecture of the second-generation turbo-hybrid units, which, as we know, will debut in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
There are two major changes: the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, which is complex and of little interest to manufacturers for potential use in road cars, and the increase in power generated by the Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic. The kinetic energy recovery will be tripled compared to the present. The current approximately 160 horsepower provided by the combined motor generators will increase to around 470 horsepower with the 2.0 turbo-hybrid power units. Additionally, the limit imposed on fuel flow in the internal combustion engine will not depend on the flow rate itself (currently 100 kg per hour) but on a fixed calorific value of 3,000 Megajoule per hour.
To better understand the extent of the energy flows mentioned, it is noted that the combustion of one liter of fuel generates about 34 Megajoule of energy, and that 1 Kilowatthour is equivalent to 3.6 Megajoule. This is all constrained by a non-trivial requirement: the new power units must deliver the same performance as the current ones. The first simulations conducted by the teams have provided less than flattering feedback, up to the point of requiring a complete revision of the Formula 1 concept from an aerodynamic perspective as well.
Scuderia Ferrari aims to be ready for this new Copernican revolution after having spectacularly failed the transition from naturally aspirated to turbo-hybrid engines exactly ten years ago. Like the other manufacturers, the historic Italian team had to wait for the macro guidelines announced by the FIA in August 2022 to be formalized into an official technical specification, based on which they could begin the prototyping phase. This regulation is continuously evolving, precisely in relation to feedback from the manufacturers.
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The latest draft even features a sort of overboost system, in KERS style, described in article 5.4.8 of the technical regulations. According to this paragraph, various Formula 1 drivers can reach maximum speeds of 345 kilometers per hour under standard operating conditions. At the same time, they can use a mode called “override.” This approach allows Formula 1 cars to have an additional peak of battery power, which, in turn, will provide an extra boost to reach a speed of 355 kilometers per hour.
After many years, the engineers of the historic Maranello team have created a top engine, both in terms of performance and reliability. We are referring to a clear performance recovery that began in 2020, the year in which the Prancing Horse’s engine suffered a significant gap compared to Mercedes, the benchmark of the category at the time concerning power units. The design of the new engine of the upcoming Ferrari cars has reached a crucial moment. This is supported by the head of power units, Enrico Gualtieri, in an interview given to the official Formula 1 website during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which was held last month at the Imola circuit.
Enrico Gualtieri noted that they were at a crucial point concerning the 2016 power unit project last month. The Maranello team is increasingly shifting focus towards this aspect, while still managing and operating in the current Formula 1 season. The new regulatory course on the engine remains a significant technical challenge, and the changes made and still to be made for the new regulations require considerable effort. This period is crucial as part of the Maranello technical department’s efforts are being redirected in that direction, marking for some very intense days and months ahead for the Ferrari technicians and engineers.
Lastly, we add a rather crucial and at the same time interesting aspect. An area where Ferrari can make a difference. We are talking about the transition to fuels that will be 100% sustainable. The Italian side is indeed paying particular attention to optimizing various combustion characteristics. All of this with the clear goal of trying to adapt to the new ethanol-based fuel mixture. We just have to wait, therefore, with the awareness that the Maranello team is on it and will undoubtedly be prepared for the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
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