A 'New PU Manufacturer' is a company entering F1 for the first time that hasn't built power units before (2014-2021) and hasn't inherited significant technology from existing manufacturers. If approved by the FIA, they receive special benefits and exemptions for 5 years (from 3 years before entry through 1 year after). The FIA evaluates applicants based on their facilities, engine experience, and ERS system knowledge.

New PU Manufacturers must meet two conditions: no prior homologation since 2014 AND no significant inherited IP from established manufacturers
Approved new manufacturers receive a 5-year window of special rights/exemptions (N-3 to N+1 calendar years)
The FIA has absolute discretion in granting status and evaluates applicants on infrastructure investment, ICE experience, and ERS system expertise

Official FIA Text

A PU Manufacturer intending to supply PUs for the first time in year N, will be considered to be a "New PU Manufacturer" if it (or any related party): a. has not homologated a PU at least once in the period 2014-2021; and b. has not received any significant recent Intellectual Property from a PU Manufacturer who is not a New PU Manufacturer, subject to the conditions outlined in Article 5.2 of this Appendix. (together, for this Article 5 only, the "Necessary Conditions") The "New PU Manufacturer" status will be granted by the FIA, at its absolute discretion, for the complete calendar years from N-3 to N+1. In order to be granted the "New PU Manufacturer" status, the PU Manufacturer in question must, upon the request of the FIA, provide the FIA with all of the detailed information or documents requested by the FIA describing the commercial background and details of the PU Manufacturer's business, the Intellectual Property owned by the PU Manufacturer and the technical relationship between the PU Manufacturer and any other related entity or persons (the "Requested Documentation"). PU Manufacturers granted a "New PU Manufacturer" status are given additional rights or exemptions in certain provisions of the Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations. In order to assess whether the Necessary Conditions have been satisfied by a PU Manufacturer, the FIA will assess the Requested Documentation provided by the PU Manufacturer with regard to three factors: a. Infrastructure: the necessity for the PU Manufacturer to build facilities, invest significantly in assets, and hire personnel with prior Formula 1 experience; b. ICE status: the prior experience of the PU Manufacturer in Formula 1 Internal Combustion Engines, and potential possession of significant recent Intellectual Property; and c. ERS status: the prior experience of the PU Manufacturer in Formula 1 ERS systems, and potential possession of significant recent Intellectual Property.

new pu manufacturerpower unitf1 regulationshomologationintellectual property

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C5.2.1

FIA Source

Power Unit Energy Flow Devices

Chapter: C5

In Simple Terms

F1 cars can only use two power sources to move: the traditional engine and the ERS-K (kinetic energy recovery system). Teams are not allowed to use any other devices or alternative power systems to propel the car or capture energy. This rule ensures all teams compete with the same basic technology.

Only the engine and ERS-K are permitted power/energy devices
No alternative propulsion systems or energy harvesting devices allowed
Ensures competitive fairness by limiting technological innovation in power sources
Any unauthorized device violates technical regulations

Official FIA Text

Use of any device other than engine described in C5.1 and ERS-K to propel car or harvest energy is not permitted.

power unitenergy flowers-kpropulsionenergy recovery

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C5.2.4

FIA Source

Fuel Energy Flow Below 10500rpm

Chapter: C5

In Simple Terms

F1 engines must limit how much fuel energy they use at lower engine speeds (below 10,500 rpm). The rule uses a formula to calculate the maximum allowed energy flow: teams can use more energy as the engine spins faster, but they're strictly limited to prevent excessive power at lower rpms.

Applies only when engine speed is below 10,500 rpm
Energy flow limit increases with engine rpm using the formula: 0.27 × rpm + 165 MJ/h
At 10,500 rpm, the limit reaches approximately 2,997 MJ/h
Ensures fair competition and controls engine performance in the low-rpm range