Formula 1’s power units are set to deliver more combustion power from 2027, after the World Motor Sport Council formally ratified a package of regulation changes at its mid-2026 meeting in Macau.
The changes address a central criticism of the sport’s 2026 regulations, that the 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and battery systems has created artificial, energy-dependent racing that has frustrated drivers and fans alike.
The ratification cements a package of amendments to F1’s Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations agreed in principle on June 10, following weeks of intensive discussions between the FIA, Formula One Management, teams and power unit manufacturers.
The changes introduce a staged rebalancing of the power split across two seasons.
From 2027, the power split moves from the current near 50-3-47 to 58-42 in favour of the combustion engine. A more substantial shift follows in 2028, with a 13 percent fuel flow increase lifting ICE power to 450kW and delivering the 60-40 split that had been the agreed target throughout negotiations.
The maximum energy recovery limit has also been increased to 375kW from 250kW, while the power unit financial regulations have been adjusted to give manufacturers the cost cap headroom to implement the changes.
Speaking when the changes were first announced on June 10, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the sport had a responsibility to act.
These changes reflect the collaborative work taking place across the sport to ensure the regulations continue to support exciting racing, technological innovation and long-term sustainability.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem
“Formula 1 has always evolved to meet new challenges and seize new opportunities,” he said.
“These changes reflect the collaborative work taking place across the sport to ensure the regulations continue to support exciting racing, technological innovation and long-term sustainability.
“It is through working together that we will shape the future of our sport and deliver for fans across the world, and I would like to thank the FIA staff, the teams, Formula One Group, and the power unit manufacturers for this constructive approach.”
The WMSC also ratified the first issue of the 2027 Technical Regulations today, incorporating learnings from the opening races of the current season, and confirmed that pre-season testing ahead of 2027 will increase from three days to four.
