Future Formula 1: Idle Power Systems and Racing Engines
Formula 1 2025 Season: New Power Unit Regulations in Action at Miami GP
The 2025 Formula 1 season has seen a significant change in power unit regulations, with the aim of promoting sustainability and balancing performance. At the recent Miami Grand Prix, these changes were put to the test.
Each driver in the 2025 season is allowed to use only four power unit components per season. These components include the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Turbocharger (TC), MGU-H, MGU-K, battery (ES), Control Electronics (CE), and Exhaust System (EX). Teams can use their allocations as they see fit, and once a power unit component is installed, it goes into a 'pool' and can be removed and reinstalled at will.
In the Miami GP, several drivers made use of their power unit components. Lando Norris (McLaren), for instance, used two new ICE, TC, MGU-H, and MGU-K units, and had two EX. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also followed the same pattern. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) used two new CE units in the Bahrain GP, while George Russell (Mercedes), Lewis Hamilton, and Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) all used two new ICE, TC, MGU-H, and MGU-K units, and had two EX each in Miami.
The power unit manufacturers for the 2025 season are Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda (Red Bull Powertrains), and Renault. In the Miami GP, drivers from these manufacturers were seen using their allocated components. For example, Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) and Lance Stroll used new power units, while Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) and Esteban Ocon (Haas) also made use of their allocations.
Exceeding the allocation of any power unit component results in grid penalties. A first offense for each component results in a 10-position penalty, with an additional five positions for each subsequent offense. If the total penalties exceed 15 positions, the penalty will be converted to a start from the back of the grid. However, in 2025, penalties will only be imposed for engine parts. The restriction on transmission units was lifted during the winter.
The FIA changed the volume of Formula 1 engines starting in 2025 as part of a technical regulation overhaul. The engine sound has been affected, but not drastically changed, due to retained systems like pre-chamber ignition. This was done to maintain efficiency and fuel savings while addressing public criticism of complexity and sound.
Each team can use eight exhaust systems per garage side. This flexibility allows teams to manage their power unit components more effectively during the race.
The Miami GP 2025 saw several drivers managing their power unit components strategically. For instance, Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) and Carlos Sainz (Williams) used only one set of power unit components, while Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) used two sets.
The new power unit regulations in the 2025 Formula 1 season have added a new layer of strategy to the sport, with teams needing to manage their power unit components carefully to avoid penalties and maintain competitiveness. The Miami GP was a testament to this, with several drivers managing their power unit components effectively to secure strong results.
