(Motorsport-Total.com) – Formula 1 stakeholders have agreed on a gradual increase in the performance of internal combustion engines to address concerns about energy management.
Read more What could make McLaren build its own F1 engine
On Wednesday, the FIA announced that stakeholders have agreed on an initially moderate increase for the 2027 season. In the 2028 season, the internal combustion engine vs. electric motor distribution will then have a 60:40 ratio.
Specifically, this means that the fuel flow of Formula 1 power units will be increased by five percent next year, boosting power from 400 to 420 kilowatts (kW) without requiring significant hardware changes.
At the same time, the maximum power of the electric motor for 2027 will decrease from 350 to 300 kilowatts. The overtake mode remains unchanged at 350 kW to ensure drivers can continue to use the boost mode. The maximum recuperation limit will be raised from 250 kW to 375 kW. This effectively means that the power distribution in the 2027 season will shift from the current 53:47 ratio to 58:42.
A further 13 percent increase in fuel flow, which boosts the internal combustion engine’s power to 450 kW, must wait until 2028 to give power unit manufacturers more time to prepare for the 60:40 distribution. In 2028, the maximum recuperation limit will again be raised to 400 kW, while maximum power output and overtake mode remain unchanged.
The FIA adds that adjustments have also been made to the power unit budget regulations to give manufacturers the necessary leeway within the budget cap to implement the changes. The proposed changes will be submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) for ratification. The next meeting will take place on June 23 in Macau.
Read more What could make McLaren build its own F1 engine
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) | |||
| Max. Power | 400 kW | 420 kW | 450 kW |
| Fuel Flow | +5% | +13% | |
| Electric Motor (MGU-K) | |||
| Max. Power | 350 kW | 300 kW | 300 kW |
| Max. Power Overtake Mode | 350 kW | 350 kW | 350 kW |
| Max. Recuperation Power | 350 kW | 375 kW | 400 kW |
| ICE/MGU-K Distribution | 53 |
“The 2026 Formula 1 regulations were developed and agreed upon in close cooperation between the FIA, FOM, the teams, OEMs, and power unit manufacturers. These latest changes reflect the continuation of this collaboration, with all stakeholders working together to refine the framework and address identified operational challenges,” the FIA statement said on Wednesday.
The changes aim to improve the engine regulations introduced for the current 2026 season. While there is generally more action in races this season, safety concerns have also been raised due to the sometimes very large speed differences between cars depending on the power currently available.
However, the biggest criticisms from Formula 1 drivers concern the enormous strain in the cockpit and the high energy expenditure required on some racetracks, which prevents full throttle driving in qualifying.
Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes and Red Bull Ford Powertrains, pushed for larger changes as early as 2027, while companies like Audi and Ferrari had expressed concerns about the required resources and lead times. The end result is now a compromise that provides for a gradual fine-tuning of the rules, rather than overhauling them all at once.
Read more Fernando Alonso blunt: Almost everything about the Aston Martin is bad!