Formula 1 will move away from electrical power in 2027, the FIA has confirmed following a series of meeting.
The 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power for 2026 has received widespread criticism from drivers, teams and fans.
This year’s regulations, which have seen the introduction of the energy recovery system (ERS), have been slammed for causing collisions such as the one between Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto in Japan.
The vast difference in speed between Bearman and Colapinto, who was not even harvesting energy and going much slower, led to the scary incident.
Following the opening three races of the season, an unplanned five-week hiatus took place when the conflict in the Middle East caused the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix.
The FIA, motorsport’s world governing body, used this break to consult stakeholders and drivers about how to improve the new regulations.
They have now released a statement agreeing to a 50kW reduction of the ESR in 2027, and a 50kW increase in internal combustion engine (ICE) power.
These changes still need to approved by the power unit manufactures and ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, but this is not expected to present an issue.
The FIA’s statement read: “The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in internal combustion engine (ICE) power by ~50kW with a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the energy recovery system (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW.
“It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers was required before the final package was decided.
“The final proposals presented during today’s meeting are the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA and multi-stakeholders with invaluable input from F1 drivers.
“The next step is to formally present these regulatory changes, once refined, for a World Motor Sport Council e-vote once the power unit manufacturers will have voted on this package.”
The changes will come as a relief to the likes of four-time world champion Max Verstappen — who has raised doubts about his future in the sport due to the impact the regulations have had on racing.
The Dutchman has likened F1 to “Mario Kart” this season — while reigning champion Lando Norris described the cars as “the worst” to drive.
Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez have also panned the rules.
Mercedes are coping best with the 2026 regulations having won all four races — George Russell winning one and teenage championship leader Kimi Antonelli claiming three successive victories.
Next up for the drivers is the Canadian GP on May 25 (AEST), before they head to the first of the European races in Monaco.
