F1 power unit changes agreed in principle for 2027

A reduction of electrical energy and increase in the power output of the internal combustion engine (ICE) has been agreed in principle for Formula 1 power units in 2027, the FIA has announced.

The latest set of regulations feature a near 50-50 split between the output from the Energy Recovery System (ERS) and the ICE, which has been cited as one of the primary reasons for the current complaints from drivers about their inability to push during a qualifying lap. When the electrical energy runs out, the power unit can begin harvesting, effectively working against the ICE and causing speeds to reduce despite drivers still being at full throttle.

Although tweaks to the regulations were made ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, it has been acknowledged that more significant changes to address the imbalance would require hardware and regulatory amendments that are only realistically possible between seasons.

The FIA says a meeting between the governing body, Formula One Management (FOM), team principals and power unit manufacturers brought a “unanimous commitment to introduce changes which further enhanced fair and safe competition, that were intuitive for drivers and teams and were in the best interests of the sport”.

Explaining the measures agreed in principle for next season, the FIA said changes to the regulations “would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW with a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW.

It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers was required before the final package was decided.”

The FIA stated the input of multiple stakeholders had been required – highlighting the involvement of the drivers as invaluable – with the next steps being the power unit manufacturers voting on the package, and then the World Motor Sport Council having to approve the change via e-vote.

The thinking behind the changes is that an increase in power from the ICE would make it easier to harvest the lower amount power permitted for deployment by the ERS, reducing the amount of super clipping at the end of straights to charge the battery and creating a more traditional speed trace.

Following the introduction of the tweaks in Miami, the FIA also said evaluation of their impact is ongoing in order to inform potential further adjustments at future events.