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Formula 1Fri 30 Oct 2026 · 9 of 13

2026 Mexican GP faces new turbo challenges without MGU‑H

Verified · 6/6 supported1 cited · 1 min read

The Race reports that the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix will be the first modern‑era race where F1’s hybrid V6 engines run without the MGU‑H . The Race reports that Mexico City’s high altitude strains turbochargers because the lower air density requires higher RPM . The Race reports that Honda’s trackside engineering chief Shintaro Orihara says the loss of the MGU‑H makes achieving sufficient boost pressure at the Mexican circuit “quite challenging” . The Race reports that in 2025 the MGU‑H provided boost support even at idle, but in 2026 there is no such support, creating a noticeable difference . The Race reports that turbo lag is expected to be a major issue for all manufacturers at the high‑altitude Mexican circuit .

Why it matters. The Race reports that manufacturers will have to contend with increased turbo lag and reduced boost, testing their engineering solutions at the race .

Earlier on Formula 1

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