What type of engine is used in modern Formula 1 cars?

Modern Formula One cars use 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrid power units. The V6 is the internal-combustion engine, while turbocharging and energy-recovery technology add electrical power and improve efficiency.

The current power-unit era began in 2014, when F1 replaced its 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 engines. These hybrid systems recover energy during braking through the Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic, while earlier versions also recovered heat from the turbocharger through the MGU-H. The stored energy can then be deployed to supplement the engine’s output.

The phrase “engine” is often used casually, but “power unit” is more precise because the system includes the combustion engine, turbocharger, battery, control electronics and electric motor-generator components. For 2026, the basic 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 architecture remains, although the regulations increase electrical power, remove the MGU-H and introduce advanced sustainable fuels.