Formula 1 drivers will be allowed to generate more electrical energy in this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix compared to the first race of the season.
The difference between the two will be at its greatest in qualifying. Drivers will be permitted to recharge up to 9MJ in Shanghai, in both sprint race qualifying and grand prix qualifying, compared to 7MJ for the latter in Melbourne.
The recharge limits will be 0.5MJ higher for this weekend’s two races compared to last week’s grand prix. Drivers will be allowed to use up to 8.5MJ ordinarily, rising to 9MJ when Overtake mode is enabled. As was the case last week, this will be permitted when they are within one second of the car ahead, which will be measured at the entrance of the final corner, turn 16.
The higher 9MJ limit will also apply in all practice sessions.
The recharge rate has been raised for this track because its layout will offer more opportunities for drivers to recharge their power units. Brake supplier Brembo estimates drivers will spend over 16 seconds on average per lap braking, giving them a chance to generate energy, which is more than twice as much as in Melbourne.
The FIA therefore defines the track’s “power limited distance” as being lower than Melbourne. It is under the 3.5km threshold defined in the rules, meaning drivers are allowed a higher power reduction rate of 100kW per second, twice as much as in Melbourne.
| Albert Park | Shanghai | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum recharge per lap | ||
| Race – Without Overtake mode | 8MJ | 8.5MJ |
| Race – With Overtake mode | 8.5MJ | 9MJ |
| Qualifying | 7MJ | 9MJ |
| Free practice | 8.5MJ | 9MJ |
| Out laps (except in races) | 8.5MJ | 9MJ |
| Track details | ||
| Track length | 5.278km | 5.451km |
| Power limited distance | 3.518km | 3.125km |
| Maximum power reduction rate | 50kW/s | 100kW/s |
| Overtake mode detection gap | 1s | 1s |
| Areas where reduction can exceed 150kW | T11-13 | T7-9, T11-12 |
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2026 Chinese Grand Prix
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