FIA confirms key engine tweaks for 2027, ditching 50-50 split between ICE and electrical energy

Formula 1’s power‑unit regulations are set for another significant refinement, with the FIA confirming that the sport will move away from the 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power from 2027.

The decision follows the first real‑world test of the Miami update package and a subsequent online meeting between the FIA, Formula 1 Management, teams and the five power‑unit manufacturers.

The governing body described the outcome succinctly: “A number of proposals to introduce further evolutionary changes to the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship regulations have been agreed in principle following an online meeting convened by the FIA today and attended by Team Principals, Formula 1 Management and representatives of the sport’s five Power Unit Manufacturers.”

The Miami Grand Prix served as the first live evaluation of the 2026‑spec energy‑management tweaks. Drivers broadly welcomed the changes, though Max Verstappen called them only a “tickle”—a sign that more substantial steps were still required.

The FIA’s internal assessment was more upbeat: “The meeting began with a review of the recently agreed rule changes introduced at the Miami Grand Prix.

"These measures, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, were deemed to have delivered improved competition and represent a positive step in the continued refinement of the 2026 framework. The FIA also reported that no material issues or safety concerns had been identified following implementation in Miami.”

Further refinements for the 2026 season remain under evaluation. The FIA confirmed that:“Further evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events. These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined.”

The most consequential development is the agreement in principle to rebalance the hybrid system from 2027 onward. The current 50/50 power split—long criticised by drivers and engineers for producing counter‑intuitive racing dynamics—will be dropped.

The FIA summarised the direction clearly:“Turning to the longer-term refinement of the regulations, it was agreed in principle to introduce evolutionary changes to the rules regarding hardware components, making competition safer, fairer and more intuitive for drivers and teams.”

The headline change is a ~50 kW increase in ICE power, enabled by a fuel‑flow rise, paired with a ~50 kW reduction in ERS deployment. In the FIA’s words:“The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW alongside a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW.”

This adjustment restores a more traditional performance profile, reducing the extreme reliance on electrical deployment and making throttle response more predictable—an area drivers have repeatedly highlighted.

Although the direction is set, the details are not yet final. The FIA emphasised that technical groups will continue to refine the package:“It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and Power Unit Manufacturers is required before the final package is decided.”

The governing body also stressed the collaborative nature of the process:“The final proposals presented during today’s meeting are the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA and multi-stakeholders with input from F1 drivers.”

Once the technical work concludes, the formal approval process will begin:“The next step is to formally present these regulatory changes, once refined, for a World Motor Sport Council e-vote once the Power Unit Manufacturers voted on the package.”