Episode Two of the PETRONAS Road to 2026 technical series takes you inside the most radical transformation in Formula 1 Power Unit (PU) design since the hybrid era began. As the sport prepares for its next seismic regulatory shift, this episode reveals how the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and PETRONAS are co-engineering the future of performance—where electrification meets sustainability.
This is more than a technical evolution. It’s a reimagining of what power means in Formula 1.
Inside the Collaboration
Hear directly from the minds shaping the future of F1 propulsion:
- Hywel Thomas – Managing Director, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains
- Chandramalar Muthiah – Head of Trackside Fluid Technology Solutions, PETRONAS
- Andrea Dolfi – Principal Fluid Engineer, PETRONAS
- Chan Ming Yau – Head of Fuel Technology, PETRONAS
Together, they share how years of deep technical partnership are converging to meet the demands of 2026—and beyond.
The 2026 Power Unit: A Paradigm Shift
- MGU-H eliminated: Simplifying hybrid systems while increasing efficiency
- MGU-K scaled up: From 120kW to a staggering 350kW—nearly tripling electrical output
- ICE-to-electric ratio rebalanced: From 80:20 to a near 50:50 split, redefining energy recovery and deployment
To meet these unprecedented demands, PETRONAS is developing a new generation of advanced fluids and coolants—engineered to manage extreme thermal loads and support high-voltage systems with precision and reliability.
Fueling the Future
At the core of this transformation is the shift to sustainable fuels, designed not just to meet regulations but to push the boundaries of performance and environmental responsibility.