Brown warns fans about invisible issue in 2026: 'That won't be the case'

In 2026, F1 is set to adopt a new set of Power Unit regulations which will see the engine suppliers drop the MGU-H and will see the power output split two-ways between the MGU-K and the ICE, which has lead to concerns regarding the hybrid system's capabilities to charge and deploy the necessary power to make sure cars can go flat out throughout the lap even, let alon across an entire Grand Prix distance.

Brown warns fans of invisible 2026 problems

It therefore has become a hot topic in the paddock: Whoever develops the strongest PU, can then dominate the series for the foreseeable future, which brings F1 to the issue it tried to solve ahead of the ground effect return in 2022, and the introduction of the regulations which will reign over the sport as of next year. 

Will F1 be subject to PU dominance, much like it was at the beginning of the hybrid era in 2014? "I think it's hard to tell. I think [there's] definitely big changes in the power unit. I think just like racing cars converge over time, power units will converge over time, but I think there is an element of risk," said Brown to media present in Bahrain, including GPBlog.

"The new regulations will separate the field further, not just power units. It's a significant design change. I think we're still working through it. I think there are definitely some concerns to make sure that we get the balance right in how we go racing that we can be flat out all the time. I don't think that's gonna be the case. It's not the case now, but it is somewhat invisible to the fan," concluded the McLaren CEO.