Formula One has agreed to make engine design changes for the 2027 season in response to widespread criticism from leading drivers about how the current engines affect racing. The decision, reached at a meeting on Friday involving the FIA, F1, teams, and engine manufacturers, is subject to formal approval but aims to fast-track regulatory changes for fresh engines next season.
Energy Management Issues Addressed
The current engines operate with nearly a 50-50 split between internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical energy, forcing drivers to manage energy harvesting on each lap. This has led to counterintuitive driving, position yo-yoing, and safety concerns due to closing speeds. From 2027, the split will shift to approximately 60-40 in favor of ICE, achieved by increasing fuel flow to the combustion engine and reducing hybrid unit power output from 350kW to 300kW.
The changes are intended to allow drivers to run their cars flat-out without focusing on harvesting electrical energy. Drivers will be able to push through corners without being penalized on subsequent straights due to insufficient harvested energy, eliminating the need to recover energy while on full throttle or lift and coast.
Driver Reactions
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, an outspoken critic of the regulations, had dismissed the current engines as "Formula E on steroids" and expressed dissatisfaction to the point of considering his future in the sport. He was not alone in his criticism. After the Miami Grand Prix, where rules were tweaked to mitigate energy management consequences, defending world champion Lando Norris acknowledged the small step but noted it was "not to the level that Formula One should still be at yet."
Next Steps
Given the need for additional work on engines and chassis to accommodate larger fuel tanks for next season, stakeholders moved quickly to reach an agreement. The changes will be evaluated in detail before submission for formal approval from the F1 Commission, the Power Unit Advisory Committee, and the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.
