The FIA have announced in a statement that an agreement has been secured for regulation modifications to take effect from the 2027 and 2028 Formula One campaigns. The most significant change concerns the division between combustion and electric power in the engine, with the current 53/47 split set to become 60/40 in two years’ time.
The FIA statement read: “The FIA, FOM, Teams and Power Unit Manufacturers have agreed a package of changes to the Formula 1 Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations for 2027 and 2028. The agreement follows discussions held since the opening races of the 2026 season, following concerns identified in relation to energy management under the new Power Unit framework.
“The proposed changes are intended to address issues related to energy management and fuel energy flow characteristics and make Qualifying more flat-out while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations.
“The package introduces a staged rebalancing of Internal Combustion Engine and Energy Recovery System contribution across the 2027 and 2028 seasons. It includes targeted adjustments to internal combustion engine output, fuel energy flow and energy recovery system deployment, together with increased flexibility in energy management.”
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The hope had been that the changes would be fully implemented ahead of the 2027 campaign, but it is understood that several power unit manufacturers withdrew their backing for that proposal. A compromise agreement was subsequently reached, which will see the alterations introduced on a gradual basis.
As a result of the ruling, there will shortly be considerably less dependence on the battery, with the expectation that this should tackle issues such as the derating experienced at the end of long straights.
View 2 ImagesMax Verstappen has been among the most vocal critics (Image: Getty Images)
The current season has been blighted by widespread driver complaints regarding faults with the new 50/50 electric-to-combustion engines.
Max Verstappen has been at the forefront of those grievances, repeatedly voicing his displeasure at the regulation changes and even going so far as to threaten retirement from the sport should things remain unchanged.
The latest announcement at least confirms that steps are being taken to address the very real difficulties confronting drivers. Mercedes‘ Kimi Antonelli currently tops the drivers’ championship and stretched his advantage at the summit this past weekend by claiming victory at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton sits second, with Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell, who will be eager to bounce back following a difficult run of races, occupying third place heading into this weekend’s event in Barcelona.
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