JUNE 10, 2026

F1 agrees gradual engine rule changes for 2027 and 2028

Formula 1 has agreed a compromise package of power unit regulation changes for 2027 and 2028, with stakeholders opting for a gradual increase in combustion engine power rather than the more significant revisions some manufacturers had advocated.

The FIA confirmed on Wednesday that Formula 1, its teams and power unit manufacturers had reached agreement on amendments designed to reduce the energy-management demands associated with the new 2026 power unit regulations.

Under the plan, the power split will move from the originally planned 53/47 balance between combustion and electrical power to 58/42 in 2027, before settling at 60/40 from 2028 onwards.

For 2027, fuel flow will increase by five percent, raising internal combustion engine output from 400kW to 420kW. At the same time, maximum electric deployment will be reduced from 350kW to 300kW, while Overtake Mode remains unchanged at 350kW. The maximum energy harvesting limit will rise from 250kW to 375kW.

A further increase will follow in 2028, with combustion engine output rising to 450kW through a 12 percent increase in fuel flow compared to the original 2026 baseline. Harvesting capacity will also increase again to 400kW.

The changes come after concerns emerged over the amount of energy management required under the 2026 regulations. Drivers have warned that the workload involved in managing battery deployment could detract from flat-out racing, particularly in qualifying, while teams have also raised questions about the racing characteristics of the new package.

Several manufacturers, including Mercedes and Red Bull Ford Powertrains, had supported more substantial changes from 2027 onwards in an effort to address those concerns more quickly. Others were more cautious about making larger adjustments given the investment already committed to the new regulations and the limited time available before their introduction.

The final agreement reflects a middle ground between those positions, delivering a noticeable shift towards greater combustion power while avoiding a more extensive revision of the regulations only a year after their introduction.

“The 2026 Formula 1 regulations were developed and agreed in close partnership between the FIA, FOM, teams, OEMs and Power Unit Manufacturers,” the FIA said in a statement. “These latest amendments reflect the continuation of this collaboration with all stakeholders working collectively to refine the framework and address identified operational challenges.”

The governing body also confirmed changes to the power unit financial regulations to provide manufacturers with additional cost-cap flexibility to implement the revisions.

The proposals will now be submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for formal ratification on June 23 in Macau.