F1 Explained: What is turbo lag?

Verstappen during Bahrain Testing — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 2026 Explained

F1 Explained: What is turbo lag?

A problem from F1 past has returned

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Tuesday 24 February 2026 16:56 Updated: 15:50

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Concerns are emerging over one new facet of the 2026 F1 cars that could cause problems for teams on the grid - a turbo lag.

One of the major changes brought by the 2026 regulations is that the electric power from the battery will provide half of the total output, generated via the MGU-K.

Elsewhere in the 2026 power unit, the MGU-H has been removed due to its complexity and expense, but its removal has delivered a negative consequence.

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The MGU-H not only stored additional electrical power but as its own electric motor, it solved the problem of turbo lag, which could once again become an issue in 2026.

What is turbo lag on F1 cars?

A turbo lag describes the delay between pressing the accelerator and receiving the extra power from the turbo, unable to spin quickly enough to provide an instant boost.

The turbine needs extra time to reach high revs because of insufficient exhaust energy to accelerate the turbines to provide the required pressure for the boost.

This can result in poor throttle response in corners, followed by an instant increase in power and acceleration on straights. With the MGU-H, drivers didn't have to worry because the turbine remained at high revs when they braked or lifted off the throttle, but without it in 2026 it could be an issue.

F1 cars in the 1980s suffered especially with this, but were eventually outlawed in 1989 because turbocharged engines were deemed too powerful, dangerous and expensive.

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Start-related risks have been mitigated with a new 'low power start detection', with the FIA explaining that: "A new 'low power start detection' system has been developed, capable of identifying cars with abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release.

"In such cases, an automatic MGU-K deployment will be triggered to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and mitigate start-related risks without introducing any sporting advantage."

"An associated visual warning system is being introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and lateral) on affected cars to alert following drivers.

"A reset of the energy counter at the start of the formation lap has also been implemented to correct a previously identified system inconsistency."