Formula 1 bosses have agreed to make changes to the sport’s controversial engine regulations for the 2027 season, following widespread criticism from drivers and teams. The current rules, which mandate a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical power, have placed an undue burden on drivers to manage battery usage, often forcing them to slow down during qualifying laps. Additionally, features such as a boost button for overtaking have been labeled as 'gimmicks' by four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Immediate Tweaks and Long-Term Overhaul
Tweaks were already implemented for the Miami Grand Prix last weekend, and after a meeting on Friday between F1, the FIA, and all 11 team principals, further adjustments to the engine design for next year are set to be adopted. Under the new plan, the power from the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) will increase by 50kW, while the Energy Recovery System (ERS) will see a corresponding decrease of 50kW. These changes aim to eliminate the current need for drivers to lift off the throttle to recover energy during qualifying, making racing more 'intuitive' for the sport’s stars.
FIA Statement and Driver Reactions
An FIA statement confirmed: 'The conclusion from the deployment of modifications in Miami, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, was that they resulted in improved competition and were a step in the right direction. Turning to the longer-term measures, there is unanimous commitment to introduce changes which further enhance fair and safe competition, that were intuitive for drivers and teams and were in the best interests of the sport.' The measures agreed in principle for 2027 include a nominal increase in ICE power by 50kW with a fuel-flow increase, and a nominal reduction of ERS deployment power by 50kW.
Max Verstappen had been particularly vocal in his criticism of the original regulations, which he felt compromised the purity of racing. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli currently leads the world championship from British teammate George Russell after winning three of the first four rounds. The next race is scheduled for Canada on 24 May.
