Following an online meeting, the FIA, Formula One Management, teams, and engine manufacturers have reached an agreement to modify Formula 1 power units for next season. Beginning in 2027, internal combustion engine output will be increased while electric power will be reduced, in a move designed to address the concerns that have emerged so far regarding the current direction of engine regulations.
At the same time, the FIA has also confirmed that additional regulatory adjustments are being prepared for upcoming races, mainly focused on improving safety during race starts and wet-weather conditions.
The 2027 Formula 1 power unit changes
All parties involved have agreed in principle to intervene directly on the hardware of Formula 1’s power units starting next year. The plan includes an increase in fuel flow, which according to current estimates should deliver an additional 50 kW from the internal combustion engine. That would bring the combustion engine’s total output to approximately 600 horsepower.
In parallel, it has been decided to reduce the contribution from the electrical side of the power unit by 50 kW, limiting its peak performance. As a result, Formula 1 will move away from the current 50:50 balance between combustion and electric power, shifting closer to a 60:40 distribution in favour of the thermal engine.
The FIA has already scheduled further meetings to define the technical details of these regulatory changes. It is also likely that modifications beyond the power unit itself will become necessary, as the increased fuel flow will naturally result in higher fuel consumption. That could require larger fuel tanks, creating a broader engineering challenge for teams.
Initially, it appeared highly unlikely that an agreement could be reached in time for implementation as early as next year, given that each team and manufacturer has its own competitive interests and technical priorities. However, the FIA described the outcome as a “unanimous commitment” from all parties involved.
“The final proposals presented during today’s meeting are the result of a series of consultations over recent weeks between the FIA and the various stakeholders, with valuable input also provided by the drivers,” the Federation stated.
“The next step will be to formally submit these regulatory changes for an electronic vote by the World Motor Sport Council, once the engine manufacturers have voted on this package.”
Medium-term regulatory interventions
During the same meeting, participants also reviewed the regulatory changes introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, concluding that the overall situation has improved and that there are currently no significant safety concerns.
However, the FIA made it clear that further analysis will continue, with additional corrective measures potentially introduced at upcoming Formula 1 events.
These interventions will focus primarily on safety, particularly emergency start procedures and wet-race scenarios. Changes to the signal light systems could already be introduced in time for the Canadian Grand Prix, as Formula 1 continues refining operational safety protocols.
The 2027 engine adjustments represent a significant shift in Formula 1’s technical philosophy. The original push toward a heavier electrical contribution was intended to align the sport more closely with automotive industry electrification trends, but concerns over drivability, performance consistency, and racing quality appear to have pushed stakeholders toward a more combustion-focused compromise.
For teams, manufacturers, and drivers alike, the challenge now will be adapting quickly to a revised technical framework that could once again reshape the competitive order in Formula 1.
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