Mercedes is reportedly taking a “very clever”
Very clever’ Mercedes tactic uncovered in ‘exceptional’ F1 2026 power unit update
approach to the development of its 2026 Formula 1 power unit, which is expected to be “exceptional,” according to Williams team principal James Vowles. As F1 undergoes a major regulatory shift in 2026, focusing on sustainable fuels and increased electrical power, Mercedes has started investing earlier and in different technologies compared to its rivals.
Very clever’ Mercedes tactic uncovered in ‘exceptional’ F1 2026 power unit update
This strategic head start could give them a significant advantage when the new regulations come into effect.
The 2026 changes, including the removal of the MGU-H and the switch to biofuels, aim to simplify engine design while still pushing technological innovation. While Vowles doesn’t believe the gap between teams will be as large as in 2014, when Mercedes dominated with their new V6 turbo-hybrid engines, he does predict noticeable differences in power units across the grid. Mercedes’ early investments and focus on distinct technologies might allow them to exploit these changes more effectively【13†source】【14†source 】.
Mercedes is reportedly taking a “very clever” approach to the development of its 2026 Formula 1 power unit, which is expected to be “exceptional,” according to Williams team principal James Vowles. As F1 undergoes a major regulatory shift in 2026, focusing on sustainable fuels and increased electrical power, Mercedes has started investing earlier and in different technologies compared to its rivals. This strategic head start could give them a significant advantage when the new regulations come into effect.
The 2026 changes, including the removal of the MGU-H and the switch to biofuels, aim to simplify engine design while still pushing technological innovation. While Vowles doesn’t believe the gap between teams will be as large as in 2014, when Mercedes dominated with their new V6 turbo-hybrid engines, he does predict noticeable differences in power units across the grid. Mercedes’ early investments and focus on distinct technologies might allow them to exploit these changes more effectively【13†source】【14†source】.
