The FIA World Motor Sport Council, meeting in Macau, has officially approved the first draft of the 2027 Formula 1 regulations while also introducing several updates to the 2026 Sporting, Technical, and Financial Regulations.
Heat Hazard protocol separated between Sprint and Grand Prix
One of the most significant changes concerns the Heat Hazard protocol, which is triggered when weather forecasts predict temperatures of 31°C or higher during a race weekend. The measure was originally introduced to protect drivers from excessive heat stress and potentially dangerous conditions inside the cockpit.
The new regulation allows the Heat Hazard declaration to be applied separately to the Sprint race and the Grand Prix. The protocol can therefore be activated for the Sprint, the Grand Prix, or both events independently. Teams and drivers will receive confirmation 24 hours before the start of the relevant session.
Boost mode returns in wet and low-grip conditions
Another notable change concerns running in wet-weather conditions. When grip levels are low, the track is wet, and visibility is reduced, the FIA will reintroduce a boost mode designed to prevent a sudden loss of power from the power unit.
At the same time, the overtaking function will be disabled. According to the FIA, these adjustments have been implemented primarily for safety reasons.
Four days of pre-season testing from 2027
Beginning with the 2027 Formula 1 season, pre-season testing will be extended from three days to four. All stakeholders agreed that the increased complexity of the upcoming technical regulations justifies additional track time for teams to develop and understand their new cars before the championship begins.
Power unit rebalancing over two years
The most highly anticipated decision concerned the redistribution of power between the internal combustion engine and the electrical system.
Following objections from Ferrari and Audi, which opposed an immediate move to a 60-40 split, the FIA has approved a gradual transition. The 60% combustion engine and 40% electrical power balance will now be introduced from 2028 rather than immediately. For the 2027 season, the combustion engine will account for 58% of total power, equivalent to 420 kW, while the electrical component will represent 42%, or 300 kW.
To support this transition, fuel flow will increase by 5% next year before reaching the planned 13% increase in 2028.
Shorter Grands Prix on selected circuits
In order to accommodate the higher fuel consumption without forcing teams to redesign their chassis with larger fuel tanks, Formula 1 has also decided to make adjustments at selected venues.
On certain circuits, both the formation procedure and the overall Grand Prix distance will be reduced. The measure will only apply where deemed necessary and is intended to offset the additional fuel requirements generated by the revised power unit regulations. The FIA also approved updates to the Financial Regulations, reflecting the technical and sporting changes that will be introduced during the 2027-2028 regulatory cycle.
Ben Sulayem welcomes the changes
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions:
“As with any major regulatory change, the process does not end when the cars first take to the track. Continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensure that the regulations meet the needs of the sport, its drivers and its fans. Together, we are exploring the future direction of the championship and assessing how the sport can balance innovation, sustainability, performance and fan appeal in the years ahead.”
“Discussions regarding future power unit concepts, including V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels, demonstrate the willingness of all parties to help shape the next chapter of this sport.”
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