Formula 1 stakeholders, including F1 management, the FIA, teams and power unit manufacturers, have agreed in principle to a revision of the 2027 power unit rules to rebalance the hybrid split toward the combustion engine. The decision followed an online meeting on Friday reviewing the first round of 2026 rule adjustments debuted at the Miami Grand Prix.
The shift would move the current near-50/50 blend of internal combustion and electrical power toward roughly 60/40 by trimming electric deployment and lifting engine output. In explaining the direction, the governing body said in a statement: "Turning to the longer-term refinement of the regulations, it was agreed in principle to introduce evolutionary changes to the rules regarding hardware components, making competition safer, fairer and more intuitive for drivers and teams."
The FIA added: "The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW alongside a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW." It continued: "It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers is required before the final package is decided."
Once a final package is endorsed by the manufacturers, the proposal will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for formal approval. Given the long lead times for power unit hardware, the stakeholders intend to complete the technical work well ahead of the 2027 season.
Friday’s discussion also assessed the immediate 2026 changes that debuted in Miami, aimed at allowing drivers to push harder without excessive energy management while improving safety. According to the statement, "These measures, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, were deemed to have delivered improved competition and represent a positive step in the continued refinement of the 2026 framework."
The FIA said the rollout in Miami produced no major issues. "The FIA also reported that no material issues or safety concerns had been identified following implementation in Miami."
Further refinements for 2026 are under evaluation, including procedures at race starts—after a system to help struggling cars get away from the grid was trialled in Miami—and protocols for wet-weather running. "Further evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events," said the FIA. "These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined."
Teams and manufacturers will now feed into the technical groups shaping the 2027 engine framework while short-term updates for the current season are finalised. Formula 1 heads next to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, a Sprint weekend on May 22-24.
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