Formula 1 is preparing to make a significant adjustment to its next-generation power unit regulations, with plans already underway to move away from the controversial 50/50 power split introduced for 2026.
Following months of concerns surrounding energy deployment, drivability and performance consistency,
Formula 1 Management (FOM), the FIA, teams and power unit manufacturers have agreed in principle to alter the balance between electrical and combustion power from the 2027 season onwards.
The proposed changes would increase the contribution of the internal combustion engine while reducing the reliance on battery power, creating a new 60/40 power distribution split in favour of the combustion engine.
The move represents one of the first major revisions to the highly anticipated 2026 regulations before they have even completed a full season of competition.
Why Formula 1 Wants to Change the Rules
The 2026 regulations introduced an equal power split between the internal combustion engine and the electrical energy recovery system (ERS), with both contributing 50 per cent of the total power output.
While designed to increase efficiency and sustainability, the new formula has generated several unintended consequences throughout the opening phase of the season.
Teams and manufacturers have reported challenges relating to battery deployment, energy management and overall drivability. Certain circuits have exposed limitations in energy recovery and deployment strategies, leading to situations where drivers have been unable to access maximum performance consistently throughout a lap.
These issues have also raised concerns regarding racing quality, driver confidence and, in some cases, safety.
As a result, stakeholders have opted to accelerate discussions rather than waiting until the next regulatory review cycle later in the decade.
New Power Unit Balance Planned for 2027
During a virtual meeting, representatives from the FIA, Formula One Management, teams and engine manufacturers agreed that corrective action should be introduced as early as 2027 rather than delaying any intervention until 2028.
Under the proposed framework, the internal combustion engine would receive a modest performance increase while the electrical component would be scaled back.
The FIA outlined three key areas of change:
• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): Engine output would increase by approximately 50 kW.
• Electrical System (ERS): Electrical power deployment would be reduced from 350 kW to 300 kW.
• Chassis and Fuel Tank Adjustments: Minor chassis modifications would be required to accommodate larger fuel tanks and ensure sufficient durability under the revised engine configuration.
The overall objective is to reduce the burden placed on battery systems, allowing drivers to spend more time at full throttle while delivering a more natural driving experience.
Technical Review Still Required
Although a broad agreement has been reached, the proposal has not yet been formally approved.
The FIA’s technical department will now conduct a detailed evaluation of the package before presenting its findings to both the Formula 1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council.
Only after receiving approval from those governing bodies can the regulation changes be officially incorporated into the Formula 1 rulebook.
A Significant Shift for Formula 1’s Future
The decision highlights the willingness of Formula 1’s stakeholders to react quickly when major technical regulations fail to produce the desired outcomes.
The 2026 power unit regulations were originally conceived as a cornerstone of Formula 1’s future sustainability strategy, attracting manufacturers including Audi and reinforcing commitments from existing suppliers. However, the early challenges encountered under the new framework have prompted an unusually rapid reassessment.
If approved, the revised 60/40 power split would represent a substantial philosophical shift away from the original vision of equal combustion and electrical power.
For drivers, teams and fans alike, the goal is clear: retain the efficiency benefits of hybrid technology while ensuring Formula 1 cars remain fast, predictable and capable of delivering the high-performance racing expected from the pinnacle of motorsport.
