Formula 1 will have a specific technical configuration for the 2026 Monaco GP, with the FIA adopting measures to reduce the maximum speed potential of the cars on the circuit’s straights. The decision was made for safety reasons and is expected to change how electrical energy will be used throughout the lap in Monte Carlo.
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This change occurs in a different scenario from that observed on other tracks on the calendar. While several stages have been marked by the difficulty of maintaining energy available throughout the lap, the Monaco layout offers favorable conditions for charge recovery, thanks to its short straights, slow corners, and strong braking zones.
To prevent the single-seaters from becoming too fast for the Monaco circuit, the FIA had already chosen not to use specific activation zones for the straights, the so-called ‘straight mode’, and decided to adopt an additional restriction on energy management.
The regulatory body mandated the mandatory use of the engine map called ‘Rev 1’ during the weekend in the Principality. With this configuration, the maximum power supplied by the MGU-K starts to be reduced from 200 km/h. In the standard mode used in other stages, known as ‘Base’, this limitation only comes into effect when the cars reach 290 km/h.
In practice, the rule will cause the cars to stop using battery energy when they reach 300 km/h. The overtaking mode will remain available in Monaco but will also suffer progressive limitations, maintaining 150 kW at 300 km/h before the power delivery drops completely at 310 km/h.
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Despite the restrictions, the expectation inside the paddock is positive. Since Monaco has the shortest power-limited distance of the entire season, only 1,388 meters, drivers believe the race could provide a more natural driving experience than seen in other 2026 stages.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman said the experience might even be more fun for the competitors: “Maybe it’s a bit more fun to drive. I don’t think there’s much opportunity to innovate in terms of energy in Monaco, because of the speed limits and for obvious safety reasons,” he said. The Brit added that he expects freer driving, without the need for extreme energy-saving techniques. “We can just drive how we want, use the gears we want, and not have to do those lift-and-coast maneuvers to save energy. I’m really looking forward to that,” he added.
At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc also sees the circuit as one of the most suitable for the current generation cars: “I think Monaco will be one of the races where these cars can be very good. Now we have lighter cars, which brings benefits for a track like this,” he said. The Monegasque also highlighted that the electric part will have less influence due to the frequent opportunities for recharge throughout the lap and concluded: “I’m quite excited for Monaco. I think it will be a good track for these cars,” he finished.
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