Tech Heads F1 Podcast - Ep.2 (2026 Power Unit Regulations w/ Molly Oxner)

In Episode 2 of the Tech Heads F1 Podcast, Bryson Sullivan and Dr. Obbs are joined by a special guest to talk through the recently released 2026 power unit technical regulations. Molly Oxner, a powertrain engineer at an OEM, joins the Tech Heads studio for a deep dive into both the good and bad of the new regulations for 2026. We also explore TD039 and the upcoming 2023 technical regulations, which feature some nuanced changes to the floor regulation boxes. We discuss the theory and applications of inerters/J-dampers in this week’s Tech Focus, and how they might have potentially improved the early season porpoising issues seen in 2022. Finally, we answer listener questions in a new recurring segment. What’s our verdict on the changes to the technical regulations? Listen to Episode 2 to find out!

Show Segments:
Episode Introduction (0:33)
Tying up some loose ends (CFD & Testing Hierarchy) (2:11)
Updated 2023 technical regulations & Plank Flexing (3:53)
New floor edge testing (10:07)
Diffuser Throat Changes (12:56)
2026 PU Technical Regulations (23:34)
Energy Recovery System (26:39)
Turbo’s and Intake (37:14)
Tech Focus: Inerters/J-Dampers (53:00)
Listener Questions (58:50)

Notes:
Stripping the Dipping Interview w/ Olabode George Brown:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy84Njk3YjQ4Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MGFmMDE1MmQtYWYwNC00YjMwLWJlYjEtMDQ0NmY0MDFhMWJk?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwio38mZqeL5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA

Motorsport.com Article on 2023 Technical Regulations:
https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-f1-technical-rules-for-2023-why-keep-changing/10354917/

Motorsport.com Article on 2026 Technical Regulations:
https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-finalises-2026-formula-1-engine-regulations/10353603/

Technical Articles on Inerters/J-Dampers:
https://www.f1technical.net/features/10586
https://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/understanding-the-j-damper/
https://www.formula1-dictionary.net/j-damper.html

The Tech Heads F1 Podcast:
Twitter: @techheadsf1
Email: techheadsf1pod@gmail.com

Hosts:
Bryson Sullivan
Twitter: @NaturalParadigm
BMaC: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/naturalparadigm

Dr. Obbs
Twitter: @dr_obbs

Special Guest Molly Oxner:
TikTok: @abunchofredf1ags
Twitter: @mollym_o