FIA Ratifies Major F1 Engine Rule Changes for 2027 and 2028

• The FIA has officially approved revised Formula 1 power-unit regulations for 2027 and 2028, shifting the balance towards internal combustion power with a 58/42 split in 2027 and 60/40 in 2028.
• The changes will increase fuel flow and engine output while reducing maximum battery power, although drivers will retain access to the full 350kW electrical boost through Overtake Mode.
• The FIA has also introduced safety updates for 2026, including revised wet-weather power deployment rules and greater flexibility in applying heat-hazard procedures during Sprint weekends and Grands Prix.

The FIA has officially green-lit changes to Formula 1’s power-unit regulations for 2027 following ratification by the World Motor Sport Council, with the sport set to move away from the controversial 50/50 power split.

The changes will see the balance between internal combustion engine (ICE) power and electrical energy adjusted to a 58/42 split in favour of the ICE for 2027. A further move to a 60/40 split is planned for 2028.

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For 2027, the fuel flow rate will increase by 5% to support an additional 20kW of engine output. Meanwhile, maximum battery power will decrease by 50kW, while the recharge limit will increase by 125kW. Drivers will still be able to access the full 350kW of electrical energy through Overtake Mode.

“The FIA continues to oversee the evolution of the 2026 Regulations and work closely with all key stakeholders across the motorsport community,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.

“As with every major regulatory change, the process does not end when the cars first take to the track.

“Continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensuring 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 considering how the sport can balance innovation, sustainability, performance and fan appeal in the years ahead.

“The discussions around future power unit concepts, including V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels, demonstrate the willingness of all parties to engage in shaping the next chapter of the sport.”

The increased fuel flow rates could result in restrictions on pre-race reconnaissance laps or, in some instances, race distances being shortened by one or two laps. The FIA’s longer-term aim is to increase fuel flow by a further 13% in 2028.

The FIA also confirmed several safety-related updates for the current 2026 season concerning wet-weather conditions and heat hazards.

Boost Mode will be reintroduced in wet conditions to prevent power reduction, while Overtake Mode will be disabled to avoid significant closing-speed differentials in poor visibility.

Meanwhile, the Heat Hazard Procedure can now be applied independently to a Sprint or a Grand Prix, although teams will still be required to carry additional ballast and cooling systems when the measure is activated.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade and is a member of the AIPS (International Sports Press Association). Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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