F1 chiefs agree engine rules changes for 2027 season in tweak to 50-50 power source split for 'more intuitive' driving

Formula 1 bosses have agreed to make changes to the sport's engine regulations for the 2027 season by tweaking the current near-50-50 power split which will see an increase in internal combustion output.

An online meeting on Friday - attended by F1, the FIA, team bosses and chiefs from engine manufacturers - discussed the impact of the recent regulation tweaks introduced for last week's Miami Grand Prix and what else could be done for both the rest of this season and longer term to improve the ruleset.

With attention having turned to what hardware design changes could be made to the V6 hybrid power units from as early as next season, agreement in principle was reached to alter what is currently a near-equal split between internal combustion and electrical power through an increase in the former's output and reduction in the latter's.

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The power split would become closer to 60-40 under the 2027 changes in a reduction of the electrical power element.

An FIA statement read: "Turning to the longer-term refinement of the regulations, it was agreed in principle to introduce evolutionary changes to the rules regarding hardware components, making competition safer, fairer and more intuitive for drivers and teams.

"The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW alongside 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 is required before the final package is decided."

Once power unit manufacturers have voted on the final agreed package, the measures will go to World Motor Sport Council to be rubber-stamped, a regulatory process which is likely to be a formality at that stage.

Any design changes to power units require longer lead times, hence why there will be further discussion on the matter to solidify the plans and for stakeholders to further assess all possible knock-on effects before introduction in 2027.

At Friday's meeting, F1's stakeholders also agreed that the immediate tweaks to the rules introduced in Miami to improve the experience for drivers pushing flat-out without excessive energy-saving, while enhancing safety, had proved encouraging.

"These measures, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, were deemed to have delivered improved competition and represent a positive step in the continued refinement of the 2026 framework," said the statement.

"The FIA also reported that no material issues or safety concerns had been identified following implementation in Miami."

With stakeholders remaining open to revisions to further smooth out the all-new-2026 regulations, tweaks regarding race starts - after a system to help struggling cars get away from the grid was trialled in Miami - and driving in wet weather will also be introduced.

"Further evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events," said the FIA.

"These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined."

Formula 1 next heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and another Sprint weekend. Watch live on Sky Sports F1 on May 22-24. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

(c) Sky Sports 2026: F1 chiefs agree engine rules changes for 2027 season in tweak to 50-50 power source split for 'more intuitive' driving