No, F1 cars are not fully electric. They are hybrids, built around a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine paired with electric motors. Under the 2026 rules the electric share rises sharply, but the combustion engine still powers the car and the fuel is fully sustainable.
Are F1 cars electric or hybrid?
An F1 power unit has an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger, an electric motor-generator (MGU-K) and an energy store. The electric side recovers energy under braking and adds power on acceleration.
The combustion engine and electric system both drive the rear wheels, so the car is a hybrid, not an EV. Total output remains above 1,000 bhp.
What changed in the 2026 F1 rules
- MGU-H removed: the heat-energy recovery unit attached to the turbo is gone.
- Bigger electric motor: MGU-K output rises from about 120 kW to 350 kW (about 470 bhp).
- Smaller combustion share: the engine drops from about 630 kW to 400 kW (about 540 bhp).
- Sustainable fuel: cars must run on fully sustainable fuel.
- Overtake mode: replaces DRS and uses stored energy to help a following car pass.
- Active aero: front and rear wing elements move between low-drag and high-downforce settings.
| Item | Until 2025 | 2026 rules |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L turbo V6 | 1.6L turbo V6 |
| MGU-H | Yes | Removed |
| MGU-K output | About 120 kW | About 350 kW |
| Engine output | About 630 kW | About 400 kW |
| Fuel | Mostly fossil with biofuel blend | Fully sustainable |
Who builds the 2026 F1 engines?
Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull Powertrains with Ford, and new entrant Audi each build power units, and customer teams use them. Cadillac uses Ferrari engines to begin with, as covered in our Cadillac F1 engine guide. For the newest manufacturer, see the Audi F1 car guide.
Why F1 will not go fully electric
Current batteries are heavy and would not last a race distance at F1 speeds, and the series wants to showcase road-relevant hybrid and fuel technology. Electric racing exists separately in Formula E.
If you want electric acceleration numbers, see our Rimac Nevera 0-60 guide.
Are F1 cars electric FAQ
Are F1 cars electric?
No. F1 cars are hybrids with a 1.6-litre turbo V6 engine and an electric motor-generator.
What engine do F1 cars use in 2026?
A turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 combined with a much larger electric motor. The MGU-H has been removed.
How much power do F1 cars have?
Total power is still above 1,000 bhp, with about 350 kW coming from the electric motor under the 2026 rules.
What fuel do F1 cars use?
From 2026 they must run on fully sustainable fuel.
Will F1 ever go fully electric?
There are no plans for it. The series is keeping hybrid power units, while Formula E is the fully electric championship.
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