The FIA has confirmed the details of the unusual power restrictions which will be imposed on Formula 1 cars in Monaco this weekend.
The street circuit is the shortest and slowest track on the calendar. In an attempt to optimise F1’s new power units for the course, the power unit restrictions are unlike those seen at any track so far this year.
Drivers will be given the maximum opportunity to recharge their batteries only the lap. The maximum 9MJ recharge will apply in all circumstances except in the race where a driver is not able to use ‘Overtake Mode’. In those situations drivers will be limited to 8.5MJ per lap.
However the rate at which they can deploy their energy will be reduced at a much lower level than at other circuits. The reduction in electrical power deployment will begin to scale down from 350kW at 200kph instead of the usual 290kph.
The rate of reduction will not be as steep for drivers who have Overtake Mode enabled. For those who do not, their MGU-K power at 290kph will be less than 50kW; at other tracks this year they would still have the full 350kW available at this speed.
Power restrictions at F1 circuits in 2026
| Albert Park | Shanghai | Suzuka | Miami | Montreal | Monaco | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum recharge per lap | ||||||
| Race – Without Overtake mode | 8MJ | 8.5MJ | 8.5MJ | 8.5MJ | 8MJ | 8.5MJ |
| Race – With Overtake mode | 8.5MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 8.5MJ | 9MJ |
| Qualifying | 7MJ | 9MJ | 8MJ | 8MJ | 6MJ | 9MJ |
| Free practice | 8.5MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 8.5MJ | 9MJ |
| Out laps (except in races) | 8.5MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 8.5MJ | 9MJ |
| Track details | ||||||
| Track length | 5.278km | 5.451km | 5.807km | 5.412km | 4.361km | 3.337km |
| Power limited distance | 3.518km | 3.125km | 3.472km | 3.346km | 2.682km | 1.388km |
| Maximum power reduction rate | 50kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s |
| Overtake mode detection gap | 1s | 1s | 1s | 1s | 1s | 1s |
| Areas where reduction can exceed 150kW | T11-13 | T7-9, T11-12 | T3-T6, T8-T8, T13-T14 | T4-T8, T11-T16 (T17-T19*) | T5-T6, (T13-T14 exit*) | Exit T19 |
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Published by
Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 – when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring journalist, Keith began running the site full-time in 2010, achieving a long-held ambition to dedicate his full attention to his passion for motor racing. View all posts by Keith Collantine