The first three races of the new technical cycle have led to questions about the sustainability of the 50:50 ratio between thermal and electric power. While on one hand a possible depowering of the hybrid part is being evaluated, increasing the performance of the petrol V6 is not as simple. Despite appearances, inside, the new engines work differently from the previous ones and would need more modifications to release more horsepower.
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The fuel flow suggestion
One of the novelties of the 2026 technical regulations was the reduction of fuel flow by about 30%. Increasing it again would undoubtedly help release more horsepower, but it would force other collateral changes. For example, the amount of fuel needed to complete a Grand Prix would increase, which would raise the need for a larger tank, with all the resulting packaging issues.
Furthermore, to burn more fuel, more air would be needed, requiring further interventions on the turbo. Last but not least, a possible power increase of the thermal engine would increase the thermal and mechanical stresses to which it is subjected, higher than those considered during the design phase. Therefore, it would be difficult to increase the fuel flow during the season, as teams would need time to adapt.
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The thermal engine has changed
In general, the fact that the new engines have maintained the architecture and displacement of the previous ones is responsible for the mistaken belief that they are the same in every way. However, this is not the case, as other modifications have altered the combustion process. The reduction of the compression ratio from 18 to 16 and the limit to a single spark plug ignition, compared to the previous five, are just some of the changes that have meant that combustion is now slower compared to the ultra-fast combustion of the old power units. Unlike the electrical part, therefore, it is not possible to modify the power of the V6 simply by adjusting a dial. Recovering horsepower from the thermal engine is possible, but not immediately, which is why any decisions in this regard must be made as soon as possible.
