Formula 1's drastic 2026 rule changes are not just causing the teams various engineering headaches, but they are also "one of the most challenging" regulation revamps for brake designs.

The biggest regulatory overhaul in modern F1 will see the balance between combustion versus electric power change from around 80/20 to 50/50. Currently, F1 cars use a 120-kilowatt (161-horsepower) MGU-K, but next year, MGU-K power increases to around 350 kW (469 hp) while the MGU-H unit will be removed.

Coupled with active aerodynamics, the changes in power profile will change how fast grand prix cars will get up to speed. But it will also affect how they'll stop with a much-increased capability for regenerative braking, as Brembo's F1 customer manager Andrea Algeri explained to Motorsport.com.

"This is my 15th season in Formula 1, so I went through different changes in the shape of brakes, cars, tyres, different wheels. This is honestly one of the most challenging [regulation changes] for us," said Algeri, whose company is F1's main supplier.

There are two main reasons the actual brake hardware is being overhauled so much for 2026. The changing demands stemming from increased energy recovery from the MGU-K and a rulebook that is more open than the previous one.

Why 2026's regulations are changing the game for F1 brakes