Why Formula 1 cars will have less electric power in Monaco despite full batteries. Full batteries, higher speeds: why the FIA is restricting electric power in Monaco.

Battery always ‘full’ in the Principality: how and why the electric component will be limited

It is not only the active aerodynamics that will be affected. Monaco is set to present a completely different challenge under the new generation of Formula 1 power units, which split power output evenly between the electric and internal combustion components.

While the first five races of the season highlighted the issue of cars being ‘hungry’ for energy and running short of electric power at the end of long straights, the situation in Monaco will be the exact opposite. In fact, the FIA has been forced to effectively ‘restrict’ the electric side of the power units for safety reasons.

Not only active wings: power units will also be adjusted

According to a report from The Race, the FIA will not simply disable the use of active aerodynamics zones around the streets of Monte Carlo. To further reduce the risk of accidents, the governing body has also mandated a different engine mode setting specifically for Monaco, limiting the maximum electrical power available on the straights.

Under these regulations, the maximum power delivered by the MGU-K will begin to decrease progressively from its peak of 350 kW once the car reaches 200 km/h. This represents a significant departure from the standard configuration, in which power reduction only begins at approximately 290 km/h.

The reasoning behind the decision is relatively straightforward. Monaco offers very few opportunities for drivers to fully discharge the battery, meaning the energy store will remain close to full for much of the lap. As a result, there are concerns that the cars could become excessively fast and potentially more dangerous because they would constantly have maximum electrical power available.

Unlike at circuits with long straights and heavy energy demands, where drivers must carefully manage battery deployment, Monaco’s unique layout allows the electric system to remain highly charged throughout the race. This creates an unusual scenario in which the FIA must step in to prevent performance levels from rising beyond what is considered safe on the narrow and unforgiving street circuit.

One thing is certain: drivers are unlikely to need any significant “lift and coast” techniques around the Principality. With batteries remaining fully charged for most of the lap, energy conservation will not be the challenge it has been at other venues so far this season.