Formula 1 has approved a staged rise in internal‑combustion‐engine power, lifting the 2026 fuel‑flow limit from 400 kW to 420 kW effective 2027, a targeted five‑percent uptick without major hardware revisions.
2027 Fuel Flow Boost
The FIA decision expands the permissible fuel flow by five percent, moving the maximum engine output to 420 kW. This adjustment is designed to ease energy‑management pressure while maintaining the 53/47 ICE‑electric split slated for 2026.
Rebalancing the Hybrid Element
Co‑incidentally, the electric unit’s active‑mode envelope will shrink from 350 kW to 300 kW, yet the maximum harvesting ceiling rises sharply from 250 kW to 375 kW. Overtake Mode remains locked at 350 kW to preserve the strategic boost, and the holistic power split will shift to 58/42 by season’s start.
2028 60/40 Transition
When the 2028 regulations take effect, manufacturers will face a 60/40 ICE‑electric division, with the harvest cap lifted to 400 kW. Max deployment and Overtake Mode limits will stay unchanged, furnishing teams with a clearer path to the 60/40 target.
Financial & Operational Adjustments
Alongside technical tweaks, the FIA inserted budget‐cap buffers to cover the cost of update cycles, giving power‑unit suppliers, OEMs, and FOM a cushion for development. The revisions will be presented to the World Motor Sport Council for ratification in Macau on June 23.
Stakeholder Consensus & Safety Focus
Developed jointly by FIA, FOM, teams, OEMs, and power‑unit outfitters, the measures aim to resolve the high‑speed safety waver reported after the 2026 season starts. The decision, applauded by Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains for its early implementation, also assuages Audi and Ferrari concerns about lead times and resource demands.
Drivers cited relentless energy‑management loads at circuits such as Singapore and Monday Day points, arguing that the 2026 formula hinders flat‑out qualifying. The staged adjustments reflect a compromise to refine rather than overhaul the 2026 framework, balancing thrilling racing with operational stability.
With the World Motor Sport Council’s June deadline approaching, teams now watch the forthcoming vote, preparing to calibrate engines and hybrids for a smoother transition into the 2028 60/40 era.
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