FIA Moves To Tame F1’s Hybrid Era With 2027-28 Rule Changes

Last Updated:June 11, 2026, 08:10 IST

After months of criticism from drivers, Formula One and the FIA have agreed engine rule tweaks for 2027 and 2028 aimed at reducing energy management and boosting racing.

Formula One’s governing body has agreed to a package of technical changes aimed at making the sport’s new hybrid era more raceable, less restrictive and, crucially, more enjoyable for drivers.

Following months of criticism from teams and drivers, the FIA confirmed on Wednesday that F1 will reduce the electric power dependency of its next-generation power units in 2027 and 2028.

The changes come after concerns emerged during the opening races of the 2026 season, when drivers repeatedly complained about excessive energy management and artificial racing.

The current regulations introduced this year brought a dramatic shift in engine design, with power units producing almost half of their output through electric energy. While the technology was designed to improve efficiency and sustainability, many drivers felt it came at the expense of pure racing.

Among the loudest critics was four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who famously described the 2026 machinery as “Formula E on steroids" and even hinted he could reconsider his future in the sport if things did not improve.

In response, F1, the FIA, teams, engine manufacturers and commercial rights holder Liberty Media worked together on a compromise.

Under the new framework, the balance between combustion engine power and electric power will shift significantly. The current 53-47 split will move to 58-42 in 2027 and 60-40 in 2028.

The FIA also confirmed increases in fuel flow and internal combustion engine output. Fuel flow will rise by 5% in 2027 and 13% in 2028, while maximum combustion-engine power will increase from 400kW to 420kW in 2027 before climbing to 450kW a year later.

“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 FIA said.

The governing body added that the package includes “targeted adjustments" to energy recovery systems and greater flexibility in how teams manage power deployment during races.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the changes as evidence of the sport’s willingness to evolve.

“Formula One has always evolved to meet new challenges and seize new opportunities," he said. “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."

The proposed measures will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for final approval on June 23.

(with multiple agencies’ inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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