Formula 1 stakeholders agree on 2027/2028 power unit changes

Formula 1 has taken another significant step in shaping its future after the FIA, Formula One Management, teams and power unit manufacturers reached an agreement on a series of technical, sporting and financial regulation changes designed to fine-tune the sport's next-generation engine formula.

The package of amendments, announced on Wednesday, represents a carefully negotiated compromise between competing interests across the paddock and aims to address concerns that have emerged since the introduction of Formula 1's new power unit regulations.

At the heart of the agreement is a gradual shift back towards greater internal combustion engine performance, easing some of the energy management demands that have become a frequent talking point among drivers and teams.

The proposals will now be submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for final ratification later this month in Macau.

Gradual power shift changes agreed

Rather than introducing sweeping changes in a single season, stakeholders have opted for a phased approach.

From 2027, fuel flow will increase by five percent, boosting internal combustion engine output from 400kW to 420kW without requiring major hardware modifications. At the same time, maximum electric motor power will be reduced from 350kW to 300kW.

Importantly, the popular Overtake Mode will remain unchanged at 350kW, ensuring drivers retain access to the same level of deployment when attacking rivals. Meanwhile, the maximum energy harvesting limit will rise substantially from 250kW to 375kW.

The result is a revised power balance that shifts from the current 53/47 split between combustion and electrical power to 58/42.

A further evolution is planned for 2028. Fuel flow will increase by 13 percent compared to current levels, lifting combustion engine output to 450kW and paving the way for a long-term 60/40 power split. Energy harvesting capacity will also rise again, reaching 400kW.

The delayed implementation gives manufacturers additional time to adapt their development programmes and budgets while avoiding a disruptive mid-cycle overhaul.

Collaboration produces a compromise

The changes come after months of discussions involving governing bodies, teams and engine suppliers, with differing views emerging on how quickly the regulations should evolve.

Some manufacturers favoured a more aggressive timeline for increasing combustion power, while others raised concerns about development costs and the practicality of introducing substantial changes at short notice.

The final agreement reflects a middle ground, balancing performance improvements with financial and technical realities.

The FIA said:

"The 2026 Formula 1 regulations were developed and agreed in close partnership between the FIA, FOM, teams, OEMs and Power Unit Manufacturers. 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 that financial regulation adjustments have been incorporated to provide manufacturers with additional cost-cap flexibility as they implement the changes.

The move follows growing concerns over the operational demands created by the current regulations. While the new power units have contributed to more dynamic racing, drivers have repeatedly highlighted the intensive energy management required during races and qualifying sessions.

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There have also been concerns about large speed differentials between cars in certain situations.

By opting for gradual refinement rather than a complete rethink, Formula 1's stakeholders are betting that evolution—not revolution—offers the best path forward.

If approved by the World Motor Sport Council on June 23, the amendments will help shape the next phase of Formula 1's hybrid era, with the sport aiming to preserve performance, improve racing quality and reduce some of the challenges that have emerged under the current rules.

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