F1 Engine Reboot
FIA Approves Major F1 Engine Overhaul for 2027-28 Seasons
The World Motor Sport Council has approved a four-day pre-season F1 testing window for 2027 to address the technical complexity of upcoming machinery. It has also ratified a package of power-unit changes for 2027 and 2028 that shifts the engine/energy balance from the current 50/50 toward a 60/40 split in favor of the ICE, with ICE output rising to 450kW, MGU-K output reduced to 300kW, and upgraded energy harvesting limits; fuel-flow rates will be expanded in 2027 and 2028 to support the larger ICE role. The phased rebalancing aims to curb driver dissatisfaction with energy-management-dominated racing and to restore a more traditional, engaging form of competition. Officials emphasize ongoing collaboration with teams and stakeholders as the sport evolves under the 2026 regulations, including adjustments to cost-cap considerations and technical enforcement to improve clarity and enforceability. The changes reflect a broader effort to balance performance, sustainability, and spectator appeal across the 2027-2028 seasons, with continued oversight by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the governing body."
Key Points
Max Verstappen criticized the current energy-management focus of the sport, saying: "Not a lot of fun, to be honest. I would say the right word is management. As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids," and later described the effect as "playing Mario Kart."
The engine rules will stage a move from near 50/50 toward a 58/42 ICE–ERS split in 2027, culminating in a 60/40 balance by 2028, with ICE power rising to 450 kW and ERS limit rising to 375 kW.
Overtake mode remains fixed at 350 kW, while the MGU-K maximum drops to 300 kW and maximum ERS harvesting capacity increases to 400 kW.
Fuel-flow rates will be expanded by 5% in 2027 and by 13% in 2028 to support the larger ICE role in the power unit architecture.
The first issue of the 2027 technical regulations was approved, featuring structural, wording, and targeted updates to improve clarity and enforceability, with emphasis on ongoing collaboration among the FIA, teams, and stakeholders.
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