The deadline for the final approval of Formula 1’s 2027 power unit regulations is rapidly approaching. FIA and Liberty Media are increasing pressure on the current engine manufacturers to find a compromise, with the goal of reaching a definitive agreement during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, scheduled for June 12-14.
The FIA remains determined to modify the 2027 power unit regulations and move away from the near-equal balance between electric and combustion power that characterizes the current generation of cars. However, the governing body was not pleased by the sudden change of position taken by Ferrari and Audi just days after a key meeting held before the Canadian Grand Prix.
FIA’s proposed changes to the 2027 power units
During that meeting, the FIA presented a proposal aimed at reshaping the balance between the internal combustion engine and the electrical component. The plan called for a 14% increase in fuel flow, effectively boosting the output of the combustion engine by 50 kW while reducing the contribution from the MGU-K by the same amount. According to the FIA, a configuration delivering 450 kW from the internal combustion engine and 300 kW from the MGU-K would help eliminate several concerns that teams have raised regarding the 2027 regulations.
Among the main objectives are reducing the risk of excessive battery management and eliminating issues such as superclipping, which could negatively affect performance during qualifying laps and race conditions.
Ferrari and Audi oppose major changes
By the time Formula 1 arrived in Montreal, however, Ferrari and Audi had altered their position on the proposal. Both manufacturers stressed that implementing such a significant change would require extensive modifications to their power units.
Those changes would inevitably have consequences in terms of reliability, development costs and internal resource allocation. As a result, the two manufacturers expressed concerns about introducing major technical revisions at this stage of the development cycle.
One of the key reasons behind their resistance is the fear of losing some of the advantages potentially offered by the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system, commonly known as ADUO.
In the days following the Canadian Grand Prix and ahead of the Monaco weekend, an alternative solution began to gain traction. The idea would be to achieve the desired 60/40 split between combustion and electric power without requiring substantial redesigns of the power units themselves.
Aerodynamic changes could provide an alternative solution
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 Commission has already approved a reduction in aerodynamic downforce for the 2027 cars. Current discussions suggest a reduction of between 40 and 50 points of downforce.
The goal is to lower aerodynamic drag and reduce cornering speeds, making energy recovery phases more effective and less problematic for the power units. By combining this aerodynamic reduction with a more modest fuel-flow increase of around 5%, many believe Formula 1 could significantly reduce the need for lift-and-coast driving without introducing major changes to the architecture of the engines.
Such a compromise would allow the FIA to address some of its concerns while avoiding the extensive redesign work that manufacturers like Ferrari and Audi are keen to avoid.
Time is running out
Despite the ongoing discussions, the window for reaching an agreement is now extremely narrow. Whatever direction Formula 1 ultimately chooses, a decision will need to be made quickly so that manufacturers can proceed with confidence on their 2027 projects. The FIA and Liberty Media are therefore hoping to secure a shared position before the end of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
With the future of Formula 1’s engine regulations hanging in the balance and manufacturers divided over the best path forward, the discussions in Spain could prove decisive in shaping the next era of the sport.
This story is developing and further updates are expected in the coming days.
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