Full Breakdown
FIA Ratifies Power-Unit and Safety Rule Changes for 2027-2028
6/24/2026, 6:18:34 AM
Core Regulation Shift: More ICE Power, Less Electrical Harvesting
The World Motor Sport Council formally approved a staged change to the Formula 1 power-unit formula. From the 2027 season the internal-combustion engine (ICE) will deliver 58 % of total power, rising to a 60 % share in 2028. To achieve this, ICE output is set to increase by roughly 20 kW (?25 bhp) while the maximum capability of the energy-recovery system (ERS) will be reduced by 50 kW (?67 bhp). Harvesting capacity will rise by 25 kW per lap, and fuel-flow limits will be lifted by 5 % in 2027 and by 13 % in 2028, allowing the ICE to reach 450 kW (?600 bhp) by 2028.
Background: 2026 Sustainable-Fuel Era and Driver Feedback on Boost Mode
The 2026 season introduced power units running on fully sustainable fuels and a near-even 50-50 split between ICE and electrical power. Drivers reported that the sudden torque surge from Boost Mode in wet conditions created a safety risk, prompting the FIA to ban its use earlier in the year. The recent amendment partially restores Boost Mode in low-grip situations, limiting it to a power-fill function that does not increase output and disabling the over-take assist.
Data & Statistics
- Power-unit split: 58 % ICE / 42 % electric (2027); 60 % ICE / 40 % electric (2028).
- ICE power increase: +20 kW (?25 bhp) in 2027; 450 kW (?600 bhp) by 2028.
- ERS reduction: –50 kW (?67 bhp).
- Harvesting boost: +25 kW per lap (both 2027 and 2028).
- Fuel-flow limits: +5 % (2027); +13 % (2028).
- Testing: Pre-season testing extended from three to four days for 2027.
- Race distance: Potential reduction of one or two laps at selected circuits; reconnaissance laps limited at venues such as Monza.
- Heat-hazard protocol: Declaration may apply separately to Sprint and Race events, requiring mandatory cooling vests or additional ballast.
Official Statements & Responses
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem thanked stakeholders for the collaborative process that produced the new technical regulations. He emphasized that the FIA will continue dialogue with teams, drivers and the broader motorsport community to balance innovation, sustainability, performance and fan appeal. The president also noted ongoing discussions about future power-unit concepts, including the possibility of returning to V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels.
Criticism & Opposition
Driver feedback highlighted safety concerns with the original Boost Mode, describing the abrupt torque increase as hazardous in wet, low-visibility conditions. This criticism led to the initial ban and shaped the current, more restrictive reinstatement that disables the overtaking function and limits power-fill to prevent output spikes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In low grip conditions when the track is wet and there is poor visibility, boost mode has been reintroduced but is restricted to preventing power reduction without increasing output, while the overtake function will be disabled. These changes have been made for safety reasons.” — FIA WMSC report
- “ The hazard forces drivers to either wear mandatory cooling vests or carry more ballast.” — FIA regulation note
- “The fuel flow rate will also increase by 5% to compensate for the extra combustion power, with further changes such as slightly reducing race distances at certain circuits and the reduction of pre-race reconnaissance laps all a part of the new regulations, with fuel consumption more of a factor as a result.” — FIA technical regulations
- “In 2028, fuel flow will increase by 13% overall as power output from the ICE increases to 450kW overall [600bhp], while maximum harvesting power further increases by another 25kW per lap, with a 60-40 power split being achieved.” — FIA technical regulations
- “The FIA continues to oversee the evolution of the 2026 Regulations and work closely with all key stakeholders across the motorsport community,” — Mohammed Ben Sulayem
- “As with every major regulatory change, the process does not end when the cars first take to the track. Continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensuring that the regulations meet the needs of the sport, its drivers, and its fans. Together we are exploring the future direction of the championship and considering how the sport can balance innovation, sustainability, performance and fan appeal in the years ahead.” — Mohammed Ben Sulayem
What’s Next
Four-day pre-season testing will commence ahead of the 2027 campaign, providing teams time to adapt to the revised power-unit balance. The FIA has scheduled further technical meetings to explore V8-engine concepts and to monitor the impact of the limited Boost Mode on wet-weather safety. Ongoing assessment of race-distance adjustments and heat-hazard protocols will inform future rule refinements.
