Mexico’s altitude gives 2026 F1 turbos their first high-altitude test

Mexico City will give Formula 1's 2026 power units their first physical test at high altitude, where their turbos will have to work harder. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits 2,285 metres above sea level; air density there is about 25% lower than at sea level, so the turbo must spin faster to supply the engine with enough air.

The 2026 engines also lack the MGU-H, which previously helped reduce turbo lag—the delay between a demand for power and the turbo delivering it. Honda chief engineer Shintaro Orihara said the MGU-H also helped build boost pressure at idle. He said all power-unit manufacturers could struggle to produce power in Mexico, while warning that the challenge is not limited to power alone.

Honda's early signs are encouraging. Dyno tests simulating Mexico led Orihara to believe there would be almost no impact on energy operations, and countermeasures for turbo lag tested in Austin had produced a positive effect. He said the turbo still needs to be assessed in free practice.

Orihara also pointed to limits on turbo operating speed. He said Honda may need to check engine function and that restrictions were possible in the worst case. At the same time, he said Honda had no concerns at present and could provide a solution if the turbo reached its operating limit. Practice will provide the first track test of its behaviour at altitude.