Formula 1’s 2026 season was supposed to be a new era. Smaller cars, active aerodynamics, a revolutionary hybrid power unit, and the removal of DRS.
Everything had been designed from the ground up to produce closer, more exciting racing. And in some ways, it worked. Overtaking is up. The battles are real. But the drivers are still not happy.
Finally, the FIA has listened to all the problems that drivers are having.
Formula 1’s governing body, FIA, has announced an agreement on rule changes on Wednesday, to reduce the electric power element in the car’s engine in 2027 and 28.
FIA Responds to Driver Concern
In a statement outlining the changes, FIA explained that the aim is to “make qualifying more flat-out while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations.”
The changes will come into effect from the 2027 season, subject to final approval by the World Motor Sport Council later this month.
The new changes will revise the balance between ICE (internal combustion engine) and the electrical MGU-K system, placing greater emphasis on combustion power while reducing the reliance on battery output.
Under the current 2026 regulations, power is split almost evenly between the combustion engine and electrical systems, with a 53/47 ratio.
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From 2027, that balance will shift noticeably toward the combustion engine. The FIA has confirmed that ICE power will increase from 400kW to 420kW, accompanied by a five per cent increase in fuel flow.
At the same time, maximum MGU-K output will be reduced from 350kW to 300kW.
While electrical power will decrease, drivers will gain additional energy recovery capabilities. Maximum harvesting power will rise, ensuring teams can still generate significant electrical energy throughout a lap.
The result is a revised power split of 58% ombustion power and 42% electrical power for 2027.
Even Bigger Changes Coming in 2028
The governing body is already planning a further shift for the later season. For 2028, ICE power will rise again to 450kW, while fuel flow will increase by 13% compared to the original 2026 specification.
The electrical component will remain capped at 300kW, but harvesting power will increase once more to 400kW.
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This would create a 60/40 power split between combustion and electric systems, further reducing concerns about battery dependency.
One of the biggest criticisms of the current regulations has been the amount of energy management required, particularly during qualifying laps.
Drivers have argued that preserving battery deployment often prevents them from pushing at maximum attack throughout an entire lap.
The FIA believes these adjustments will address that issue by giving drivers more consistent power delivery while still maintaining the sport’s commitment to hybrid technology and energy recovery.
All these changes will now be presented in front of the FIA World Motor Sports Council on June 23 to get a formal acceptance.
If approved, these will mark one of the first major adjustments to Formula 1’s next-generation power unit era.
Also Read: What The FIA Decided On Alpine’s Monaco Grand Prix Review Request
