After debate, Formula 1 finally agreed on Wednesday to move to a 60:40 power split between the powertrain’s internal combustion V-6 and the MGU-K electrical element. However, it won’t happen as many had hoped for 2027. Instead, the move will be staggered, with the first step taken next season before the transition is completed in 2028.
To recap the much-vaunted original “50:50” split between ICE and electric planned for this season (which is actually closer to 53:47) was too ambitious. That became apparent over the last couple of years as teams ran virtual cars and power units in simulators, but despite the warning signs, nothing was changed; the rules had been decided, manufacturers had signed up for them. F1 felt at times like the Titanic heading for an iceberg with no one able to steer it away.
It took the inevitable collision, in the form of pre-season testing and the first few races with the 2026 machinery, for the truth to hit home, as drivers made clear their frustration at having to focus on energy recovery and being unable to run flat out. While the sport isn’t just about the drivers enjoying themselves, the fact that most were clearly unhappy could not be ignored. But the bigger picture was the impact on the show, after a decade of effort by Liberty Media and the teams to build up global interest in the sport.
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To their credit, the FIA, Formula 1, and the teams accepted that something had to be done. Pending a change to V-8s that can’t happen before 2031 (or, possibly, a year earlier), they had to work with what they have. The obvious solution was to change the balance between the ICE and the MGU-K, and—stuck working with the technology that F1 is committed to until at least 2029 or 2030—the way to do so was to increase power by throwing more fuel at the V-6. That was agreed in principle at a meeting on May 8, and the FIA announced that a move to 60:40 for 2027 was in hand, pending agreement of the details.
The problem was, the devil was in those details.
On the team side, one issue was that higher fuel flow means more fuel in the car at the start of the race; hence, a bigger tank was required. Some teams are planning to carry over their chassis into 2027 for cost saving reasons, and squeezing a bigger fuel cell in wasn’t possible. That was addressed by chopping a couple of laps off the races where consumption is marginal, among other tweaks. The real issue was the reluctance of some power unit manufacturers—most notably Audi—to agree to a major change for what will be only the second year of the formula. Mercedes and Red Bull/Ford were supportive, but the others were not so keen, and four of the five current manufacturers were needed to push the change through.
Around the time of the Montreal Grand Prix, the idea of a staggered change began to take shape, and that was what was agreed to Wednesday. Formula 1 will thus go from a 53:47 power split to 58:42 in 2027, and then to 60:40 in 2028.
Here’s how that’s being done: in 2027, the maximum ICE power will rise from 400 kW (536 hp) to 420 kW (563 hp) via a 5% increase in fuel flow, while MGU-K power will decrease from 350 kW (469 hp) to 300 kW (402 hp). Then in 2028, ICE power will rise to 450 kW (603 hp), with a 13 percent fuel flow increase compared to 2026, while MGU-K power will stay at 300kW. Meanwhile, maximum harvesting power will go from the current 350 kW to 375 kW (503 hp) in 2027 and 400 kW in 2028. The compromise gives power unit manufacturers time to make the changes they need to make to their hardware, while the teams can adjust with bigger fuel tanks by 2028.
Explaining the moves, the FIA said: “The proposed changes are intended to address issues related to energy management and fuel energy flow characteristics and make qualifying more flat out, while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations.” The governing body added that the package “includes targeted adjustments to internal combustion engine output, fuel energy flow and energy recovery system deployment, together with increased flexibility in energy management. Supporting measures relating to power unit supply conditions, race operations and the relevant financial regulations are also included.”
The FIA was keen to stress that the rule changes have been made with the support of all parties. “The 2026 F1 regulations were developed and agreed in close partnership between the FIA, FOM, teams, OEMs and power unit manufacturers,” said the statement. “These latest amendments reflect the continuation of this collaboration with all stakeholders working collectively to refine the framework and address identified operational challenges. The FIA will now expedite the formal approval process to provide all parties with early clarity and sufficient time to adapt to the revised requirements.”
Now, all the changes in essence have to be rubber-stamped by the World Motor Sport Council at its June 23 meeting. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem was quick to release his views on the agreement. “F1 has always evolved to meet new challenges and seize new opportunities,” he said in a statement. “These proposed 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.”
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FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem.
“The FIA has a responsibility to protect the future of the championship, and these refinements are part of that commitment. 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.”
It’s certainly been a bit of a tricky process, and the staggered change is not what the FIA or F1 wanted. Indeed, just a few weeks ago Max Verstappen made it clear that unless we get to 60:40 in 2027, he won’t be racing. It remains to be seen what he thinks of the compromise. But F1 will get there eventually—and one positive aspect is that the sport, as a whole, accepted that the original regulations were not working and that action was necessary, even if it didn’t happen as quickly as some would have wanted.