The International Automobile Federation (FIA) approved, at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Macau, the change in the power distribution of Formula 1 engines. The plan foresees a progressive transition until 2028, and the increase in pre-season days was also approved.
In addition, other innovations were announced for the category’s technical, financial and sporting regulations, with details to be presented later.
Since 2014, Formula 1 engines have been known as “power units”, comprising an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electrical component. With the implementation of the current regulations for this season, the division of force between the parties was established at 53-47% for the benefit of ICE, although it was initially released as 50-50% for ease of understanding.
In response to drivers’ criticisms regarding battery management and driving strategies to compensate for energy recovery, the FIA decided to progressively increase the participation of the internal combustion engine. This measure aims to optimize performance and drivability, with the ICE reaching 58% of total power in 2027 and 60% in 2028.
Another significant change is the increase in the permitted fuel flow, which will increase to 5% in 2027 and 13% in 2028. In practice, this adjustment aims to accompany the increase in the power of combustion engines, ensuring that they receive the necessary input to operate at their maximum capacity.
The initiative had already been communicated by the FIA, but depended on ratification by the World Motor Sport Council. In May, the entity had informed that the changes would take effect in 2027; however, disagreements between suppliers and teams led to the schedule being revised. Driver Max Verstappen was one of the most critical, even expressing the possibility of leaving the category if the changes did not go ahead.
In addition to the modifications to the engines, the organization responsible for motorsport confirmed the extension of next year’s pre-season, which will now have four days, in contrast to the usual three.
Other significant changes to category regulations
In addition to confirming the new guidelines for Formula 1 engines, the FIA released other changes, some of which are already applicable in 2026 and focused on driver safety. One of the points covered is the heat alert, initially implemented the previous year for races with temperatures above 31ºC, which requires the installation of a cooling system in the cars. Previously, the warning covered the entire weekend; now, it can be split between the sprint race and the main race, if the stage includes both.
The highest motorsport entity also informed that the boost mode, which intensifies the engine’s power, will again be accessible in wet conditions and reduced visibility, but with certain restrictions. The purpose is not to provide a gain in power, but rather to prevent its decrease. Overtaking mode will be deactivated in these situations.
The first version of the Formula 1 technical regulations for 2027 received approval during the meeting in Macau, incorporating measures relating to the supply of power units, the management of presentation laps, race distances on certain circuits and changes to the financial regulations.
In an official statement released after the announcement of the changes, Mohammed ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, highlighted the collaboration between the parties involved and mentioned the deliberations on V8 engines, ensuring that they will be reintroduced in the category by 2031.
“The FIA continues to oversee the evolution of the 2026 Regulations and work closely with all key stakeholders in the motorsport community. As with all major regulatory changes, the process does not end when cars enter the track for the first time. Ongoing dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensure the regulations meet the needs of the sport, drivers and 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 coming years.”
“Discussions around future power unit concepts, including V8 engines running on sustainable fuels, demonstrate the willingness of all parties to participate in shaping the sport’s next chapter.”