Formula 1's 2026 Power Units to Feature Advanced Fuel Monitoring for Unprecedented Scrutiny

Formula 1 is set to usher in a new era of engine regulation in 2026, and central to this transformation is a sophisticated new fuel flow meter designed to ensure unprecedented levels of compliance and fair competition. The device, developed by Allengra, will replace the current Sentronics system, bringing enhanced security features and a fundamental shift in how fuel consumption is measured – moving from a mass-centric to an energy-centric approach. This technological leap underscores the sport’s ongoing commitment to integrity, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding fuel flow regulations.

The importance of precise fuel flow monitoring became acutely evident during the turbo-hybrid era, which commenced in 2014. Regulations limiting the total fuel carried per race and, critically, the fuel flow rate (initially 100 kg/h, later adjusted) pushed engine manufacturers to innovate significantly in combustion efficiency. The fuel flow meter emerged as a vital component, acting as the primary enforcer of these stringent limits. Its accuracy and tamper-proof nature became paramount, influencing both performance and the integrity of the competition.

The journey to the 2026 system has been marked by a learning curve and significant regulatory responses. Notably, the 2019 season saw widespread debate and accusations regarding potential circumvention of fuel flow regulations. While specific teams were not publicly sanctioned with penalties directly linked to fuel flow meter manipulation, the FIA issued several technical directives to clarify rules and strengthen monitoring. One significant outcome of this period was the mandate for every car to be equipped with two flow meters: one accessible to the teams for operational data and another encrypted unit exclusively for the FIA, acting as an independent verification tool. This dual-meter setup was a direct response to concerns about the manipulability of a single, shared data stream.

For the 2026 season, with the introduction of new power units featuring a different split between electrical and internal combustion power – and a greater emphasis on sustainable fuels – the monitoring technology is undergoing a profound evolution. Allengra, a company specializing in advanced measurement solutions, successfully won the tender to supply the new generation of flow meters. This represents a significant responsibility, given the highly sensitive nature of fuel consumption data in Formula 1 and the critical role it plays in ensuring a level playing field. The transition from Sentronics, which had been the sole supplier for years, to Allengra, marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s technical oversight.

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A key development in Allengra’s design is the consolidation of the two previously separate flow meters into a single, compact device. Niels Junker, co-CEO of Allengra, elaborated on the advanced architecture, stating, "One could say they are like two units in one. A major advantage is that the pipes have a different geometry, which makes it mechanically difficult to synchronise them perfectly at the same instant, even when using the same measurement frequency." This integrated design presents a formidable challenge to any attempts at circumvention.

The anti-tampering measures extend beyond physical design. Junker further explained, "However, we use different measurement frequencies on the two pipes, combined with anti-aliasing functions, so the teams cannot synchronise with the frequency." This multi-layered security system is designed to create a robust barrier against manipulation. The two distinct pipes, each with unique internal geometries, provide a mechanical deterrent to synchronization. Crucially, each pipe operates on its own dynamic measurement frequency, further protected by anti-aliasing functions. This means that even if a team could hypothetically synchronize with the frequency of their own accessible data stream, they would be unable to replicate the constantly varying frequency of the FIA’s encrypted unit, which remains inaccessible in real-time. This sophisticated approach aims to eliminate any possibility of manipulating or aligning recorded fuel flow values.

The Allengra flow meter operates at an impressive speed, ranging between 4 and 6 kHz, equating to up to 6,000 measurements per second. This is approximately three times faster than the current generation of sensors. This heightened data acquisition rate allows for an incredibly granular and immediate understanding of fuel flow, making even momentary deviations instantly detectable. Such rapid measurement capability also necessitated a specialized calibration process. Traditional Coriolis sensors, often used by teams in factory settings, typically operate at around 300 Hz and are insufficient for validating the new system’s high-frequency output. To address this, Allengra has developed its own in-house 20 kHz ultrasonic reference sensor, capable of accurately validating the measurements obtained by the F1 unit. This meticulous approach to calibration ensures the integrity of the data from its source.

The core of Allengra’s system utilizes ultrasonic technology within a flattened "U"-shaped structure. Fuel enters from one side, flows through a precisely defined path, and exits the other. Along this path, two opposing ultrasonic transducers continuously exchange signals. The fundamental principle revolves around measuring the "time of flight" of these ultrasonic signals. In static conditions, the system can determine the expected transit time. However, when fuel flows, it alters the signal’s speed: accelerating it when moving with the flow and decelerating it when moving against it. By precisely measuring the difference in these two transit times and knowing the fixed distance between the transducers, the system accurately calculates the fluid’s velocity. From this velocity, and the known internal diameter of the pipe, the volumetric flow rate is derived.

Crucially, the system does not stop at volumetric flow. Volume can fluctuate with temperature and other operating conditions, making it an unreliable regulatory parameter. Instead, the Allengra system measures mass flow. Through specific calibration tailored to each type of fuel, accounting for factors such as density and the speed of sound within that particular fluid, the flow meter precisely calculates the mass flow rate, expressed in kilograms per hour (kg/h). For the 2026 regulations, this mass flow limit is set to drop to just over 70 kg/h, reflecting a broader objective to reduce overall fuel consumption and enhance efficiency.

Perhaps the most significant regulatory shift facilitated by this new technology is the FIA’s move to verify the energy flow rate of the fuel supplied to the engine, rather than solely the mass flow. From 2026, the energy characteristics of each fuel – its energy value per unit of mass, specifically its lower heating value (LHV) and density – will be independently certified by a third-party body before reaching the circuit. This means the Allengra flow meter will continue to provide the precise mass flow in kg/h, but this figure will then be converted by the engine’s standardized Electronic Control Unit (ECU) into a fuel energy flow value, expressed in megajoules per hour (MJ/h). This conversion will utilize the independently certified energy density values of the specific fuel, following detailed procedures outlined in FIA technical documents.

The overarching energy flow limit for the 2026 season will be capped at 3000 MJ/h. Furthermore, specific formulas will apply at different engine speeds; for instance, below 10,500 rpm, the permitted energy flow must not exceed that calculated using the formula: EF (MJ/h) = 0.27 × N (engine speed in rpm) + 165.

This paradigm shift has profound implications for fuel manufacturers like Shell, Petronas, Mobil 1, and Castrol. The energy content of the fuel will become a critical strategic variable. If a fuel supplier can develop a blend with a higher energy density per kilogram, teams will require a smaller mass of fuel to achieve the maximum permitted energy flow. This translates directly into a potential on-board weight advantage, as less physical fuel needs to be carried for the same energy output over a race distance. Even a reduction of a few kilograms can yield a noticeable performance benefit in Formula 1, impacting lap times, tire degradation, and overall race strategy.

The move to energy flow monitoring also aligns with Formula 1’s broader commitment to sustainability. The 2026 regulations mandate the use of 100% sustainable fuels. By monitoring energy output, the FIA ensures that competition remains fair regardless of the specific chemical composition or source of these new fuels, as long as they meet the certified energy benchmarks. This fosters a development race not only in engine efficiency but also in fuel chemistry, pushing suppliers to create the most energy-dense and efficient sustainable fuels possible. The new Allengra flow meter, with its enhanced precision and multi-layered security, will be at the forefront of policing this crucial technical and competitive frontier in Formula 1.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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