FIA approves major changes to future Formula 1 engine rules

The World Motor Sport Council has officially ratified major updates to Formula 1’s future power unit regulations during the FIA Conference in Macau on June 23.

The approved revisions alter the highly debated engine blueprints for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, moving away from a strict 50/50 balance between internal combustion and electrical power.

The approved amendments will phase out the current split in favor of a 60/40 ratio heavily favoring the ICE by 2028.

A shift in the power split

Under the new framework, ICE output will increase by 50kW to a total of 450kW, while the maximum power from the MGU-K drops to 300kW. Overtake mode remains fixed at 350kW, and maximum harvesting capacity rises from 350kW to 400kW.

To facilitate the elevated ICE performance, fuel flow rates will expand by 5% in 2027 and 13% in 2028. This gradual transition resolves previous paddock anxieties regarding abbreviated race distances.

Because cost cap pressures initially led several teams to plan on carrying their existing chassis into 2027 to balance the books, installing larger fuel tanks was not a viable option.

The structural pivot directly addresses driver dissatisfaction with the sport’s current regulations. When minor tweaks were introduced ahead of May's Miami Grand Prix, triple world champion Max Verstappen described the action as just a "tickle", warning that large alterations were needed.

Hopefully, the FIA’s decision will go a long way toward keeping the Dutchman on the grid in 2027.

Collaborative future and safety upgrades

The regulatory evolution highlights ongoing cooperation between the governing body and the paddock.

“The FIA continues to oversee the evolution of the 2026 Regulations and work closely with all key stakeholders across the motorsport community," stated FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

“As with every major regulatory change, the process does not end when the cars first take to the track. Continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensuring that the regulations meet the needs of the sport, its drivers, and its fans.

“Together we are exploring the future direction of the championship and considering how the sport can balance innovation, sustainability, performance and fan appeal in the years ahead."

Ben Sulayem added: “The discussions around future power unit concepts, including V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels, demonstrate the willingness of all parties to engage in shaping the next chapter of the sport.”

Beyond engine specifications, the Council approved an extension of pre-season testing from three days to four starting in 2027. This change ensures teams no longer face the logistical headache of forcing drivers to share a single day of on-track running.

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Additionally, safety and sporting updates dictate that 'Heat Hazard' protocols can now be declared independently for either the Sprint or the main Grand Prix 24 hours in advance.

Finally, for the remainder of the 2026 season, boost mode has also been reintroduced for wet weather or low-visibility scenarios, carefully calibrated to prevent sudden power drop-offs without expanding maximum output.

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