The FIA has expanded its engine catch-up regulations as Honda faces performance challenges in the opening phase of the 2026 season, marking a significant shift in how the governing body approaches power unit competitiveness under the new technical regulations.
The move comes as manufacturers adjust to Formula 1’s most radical power unit overhaul in over a decade, with the 2026 regulations introducing a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, alongside active aerodynamics that place unprecedented demands on energy deployment.
Regulatory Flexibility in Year One
The FIA’s engine catch-up mechanism was designed to allow manufacturers falling behind on performance to make targeted development gains outside the usual homologation restrictions. The expansion of these rules suggests at least one power unit supplier is significantly off the pace in the new formula’s early running.
Honda returned to Formula 1 as a full manufacturer for 2026 after its previous spell with Red Bull Racing ended in 2021. The Japanese manufacturer supplies Aston Martin for the current season as the team embarks on its works partnership under technical director Andy Cowell’s leadership.
2026 Power Unit Landscape
The 2026 grid features six power unit manufacturers: Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Powertrains, Renault (Alpine), Honda, and Audi, which entered the sport this season. The new regulations removed the MGU-H and increased electrical output to roughly 350 kilowatts, fundamentally changing the engineering challenge compared to the turbo-hybrid era that began in 2014.
Power unit performance has proven difficult to judge in the early rounds, with aerodynamic efficiency and active aero deployment creating a complex performance picture. However, the FIA’s decision to expand catch-up provisions indicates a measurable performance gap has emerged in testing or race data.
Further details on the specific technical areas opened for development and the timeline for implementation are expected as the FIA clarifies the regulatory adjustment ahead of the next race weekend.