Formula 1 engine penalties 2026: The overview

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Even though there will be brand new engines in Formula 1 in 2026, one thing has not changed: This year again, teams and drivers have to manage their engine parts.

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This works similarly to previous years: Each driver is allocated a certain quota of engine parts, which are divided into different elements that differ slightly from the previous year. If he exceeds the quota, he receives a penalty for the next race.

Overall, the power unit in 2026 is divided into seven elements, each with a quota set out in Article B8.2.2 of the regulations. However, Article B8.2.3 simultaneously stipulates that each driver is allowed one additional component per element in 2026.

Thus, for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the following are allowed: four internal combustion engines (ICE), four turbochargers, four exhaust systems, three energy stores, three control electronics units, three MGU-Ks, and six ancillary components of the power unit each.

For the latter, Appendix C4 contains a whole table listing what is included: Among other things, water, oil, and fuel pumps, components in the intake system, wastegate valves, oil tanks, ERS cooling systems, or components from the hydraulic system are included.

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The MGU-H has been eliminated since this season.

If a driver uses more engine parts than allowed, Article B8.2.8 threatens a grid penalty: ten grid places for the first additional element, five grid places for each further additional element.

Collecting engine parts is not possible, by the way: If two identical elements are changed with a penalty at an event, only the last used component may be used in the future without penalty.

Gearbox without limit

In recent years, the gearbox was also subject to restrictions for a long time. Drivers initially had to complete a certain number of races with one gearbox before a quota system was also introduced. However, this was completely overturned in 2025, with the reasoning: “The reliability of current designs makes a regulation obsolete.”

Under the new 2026 regulations, no restriction is set either. Thus, drivers can use as many gearboxes as they want.

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Overview of grid penalties
DriverGrand PrixEngine partsNumberPenalty
NorrisBelgiumControl electronics4 of 3+10 places
AntonelliItalyEngine5 of 4Back of the field
Energy store4 of 3
Control electronics4 of 3
HadjarMiamiEnergy store4 of 3Start from the pit lane
Control electronics4 of 3
BelgiumEngine5 of 4Back of the field
Turbocharger5 of 4
Exhaust5 of 4
AlbonItalyEngine5 of 4Back of the field
Control electronics4 of 3
SainzBelgiumControl electronics4 of 3+10 places
AlonsoBarcelonaEnergy store4 of 3Start from the pit lane
Control electronics4 of 3
MGU-K4 of 3
BelgiumEnergy store5 of 3Back of the field
Control electronics5 of 3
Ancillary components7 of 6
StrollCanadaEnergy store4 of 3Start from the pit lane
Control electronics4 of 3
Great BritainEnergy store5 of 3+10 places
Control electronics5 of 3
BelgiumMGU-K4 of 3+10 places

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