Despite their absolutely dominant display at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes encountered a few reliability issues in Melbourne which forced them to carry out changes of several power unit parts.
F1 power units feature several elements: the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K), Turbocharger (TC), Energy Store (ES), Control Electronics (CE) and Exhaust (EX).
Over the course of the 2026 season, a driver may use no more than four ICEs and Turbochargers, three MGU-Ks, Energy Stores and Control Electronics, as well as four Exhaust sets. However, given the new regulations coming into play for 2026, one of each of these allocations is considered a ‘bonus’.
Early changes
Several drivers were forced to take fresh power unit components during the season‑opening Australian Grand Prix, marking an early test of the new 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations.
he updated hybrid era introduces a more complex set of limitations, with each driver restricted to four Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) and Turbochargers (TCs), three Motor Generator Unit‑Kinetics (MGU‑Ks), Energy Stores (ES), and Control Electronics (CE), as well as four sets of Exhausts (EX) across the season.
Because the 2026 rules represent a major technological shift, teams also benefit from one additional “bonus” allocation of each component, giving them slightly more flexibility as they adapt to the new systems. Next year will see teams complete the season with less components.
Despite this expanded allowance, five drivers required new parts during the opening weekend. George Russell received a new Energy Store, new Control Electronics, and a new power unit ancillary component as Mercedes took precautionary steps to ensure reliability under the unfamiliar hybrid architecture.
His teammate, Kimi Andrea Antonelli, was fitted with two new power unit ancillary components as part of a cautious approach through his first Grand Prix.
Williams made similar changes for Carlos Sainz, who also received a new Energy Store, new Control Electronics, and a new power unit ancillary component to avoid any early‑season reliability concerns.
Aston Martin and Audi each made adjustments as well, with Lance Stroll and Gabriel Bortoleto both taking on a new power unit ancillary component.
The early wave of component changes highlights the challenges teams face as they navigate the first race weekend under the 2026 regulations, and it underscores how crucial careful power unit management will be throughout the long season ahead.