FIA reveals changes to Formula 1’s engine regulations for 2027

The FIA has announced plans to revise Formula 1’s engine regulations for 2027, moving away from the near-equal split between combustion and electric power introduced under the current 2026 rules package.

The proposed changes come after mounting concerns from drivers, teams and manufacturers over the characteristics of the new generation of Formula 1 cars, particularly the heavy emphasis on energy management and harvesting.

While the 2026 regulations delivered smaller and more agile cars, criticism quickly emerged over driving styles that reward lifting early before braking zones and limiting commitment through high-speed corners in order to conserve electrical energy.

Concerns over speed differentials between cars deploying and harvesting energy intensified after Oliver Bearman’s major accident at Suzuka while approaching a slower Franco Colapinto.

FIA targets better racing balance

Several meetings involving teams, manufacturers and Formula 1 stakeholders were held during the championship’s extended break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

Short-term measures were introduced ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, including an increase in “super clipping” from 250kW to 350kW to allow greater energy recovery at full throttle. Cars were also permitted to harvest 7MJ rather than 8MJ during qualifying sessions in an effort to reduce excessive harvesting tactics.

According to the FIA, those changes improved the on-track product and provided encouragement for longer-term revisions.

For 2027, the governing body plans to increase internal combustion engine output by approximately 50kW through a fuel-flow increase, while reducing energy recovery system deployment power by roughly the same amount.

The shift would move Formula 1 away from the current near-50:50 power split between combustion and electric systems.

Because the fuel-flow increase may require hardware modifications, the changes are being targeted for 2027 rather than for this season.

The FIA’s statement in full

“A number of proposals to introduce hardware component changes to the F1 2026 regulations were agreed in principle at an online meeting convened today by the FIA and attended by team principals, FOM, and representatives from power unit manufacturers.

“Today’s meeting began with a review of the amendments introduced for the Miami Grand Prix before discussion moved to longer-term regulatory considerations.

“The conclusion from the deployment of modifications in Miami, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, was that they resulted in improved competition and were a step in the right direction. Following analysis and consultation, the FIA reported that no material issues or safety concerns had been identified from Miami.

“Evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events. These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined. Improvements to the visual-signalling measures are being evaluated for the Canadian Grand Prix.

“Turning to the longer-term measures, there was unanimous commitment to introduce changes which further enhanced fair and safe competition, that were intuitive for drivers and teams and were in the best interests of the sport.

• Read also: Honda set for extra lifeline as FIA tweaks F1’s ADUO process

“The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in internal combustion engine (ICE) power by ~50kW with a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the energy recovery system (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW.

“It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers was required before the final package was decided.

“The next step is to formally present these regulatory changes, once refined, for a World Motor Sport Council e-vote once the power unit manufacturers will have voted on this package.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook