This choice might show decisive in a context the place each element of the facility unit abruptly turns into extra delicate and essential.
Ferrari and the small-turbo philosophy: an surprising benefit?
Since 2014, engine producers have needed to work with a posh system, the place the interior combustion engine energy and the electrical energy had been balanced due to the MGU-H, the electrical motor mounted on the turbo shaft. This part ensured quick response, managed the turbo when mandatory, generated power, and saved the increase strain steady.
With 2026, all of this disappears, and the turbo now relies upon solely on the exhaust gasoline circulate. This modification makes the scale of the turbo and the power to regulate it with out electrical help abruptly important.
On this state of affairs, Ferrari appears to have discovered itself in the most effective place. Throughout the hybrid years, it was the one staff to make use of a smaller turbo, whereas different producers opted for bigger items.
So long as the MGU-H existed, each approaches labored: a big turbo could possibly be “assisted” at low revs, whereas a small one could possibly be braked when liable to overspeed. Now, every little thing relies upon solely on the exhaust circulate, radically altering the image.
A small turbo responds extra rapidly, is simpler to regulate, and requires fewer interventions from the blow-off valves. A big turbo, alternatively, dangers being slower in important phases and more durable to handle with out electrical assist, typically requiring the pop-off or exhaust valves to open extra regularly, wasting your power.
Turbo administration within the new F1: responsiveness versus waste
With out the MGU-H, managing the turbo turns into an train in steadiness. The blow-off valves — one on the compressor aspect and one on the exhaust — grow to be the one instruments to stop overspeed or overpressure. However each opening represents an actual power loss, now not compensated electrically.
In 2026 System 1, the place each joule counts, waste is the enemy. That is the place Ferrari’s alternative appears to indicate its full logic. A smaller turbo permits a faster response throughout restarts, gradual corners, and low-speed phases, as seen in standing begins and pit-lane exits throughout testing. It’s a conduct that means a extra reactive system, simpler to regulate, exactly within the circumstances the place a big turbo with out the MGU-H dangers exhibiting its limits.
Trying on the larger image, the query arises: how is it doable that different producers didn’t anticipate how a lot they relied on the MGU-H to handle their bigger turbos? The sensation is that Ferrari understood the affect of eradicating the MGU-H earlier than the others and constructed a design extra suited to the brand new period.
If this instinct proves appropriate, 2026 might begin with a technical shock able to shaking up the hierarchy. Maranello has not simply discovered an answer — it might have discovered the technical key to 2026, whereas the others are nonetheless determining how one can adapt.
