Formula 1 has officially approved a significant technical regulation change for the 2027 season, focusing on the power unit's internal combustion engine component. The decision was reached during an online meeting involving F1, the FIA, team principals, and engine manufacturer representatives on Friday.
The core of the agreement is a shift in the power balance within the hybrid V6 power units. Currently, the power output is split nearly equally between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electrical Energy Recovery System (ERS). The new rules will increase the ICE's nominal power output by approximately 50 kilowatts (kW). To maintain a similar total power level, the ERS deployment power will be reduced by the same amount. This adjustment is designed to create a more intuitive driving experience for competitors.
This long-term refinement follows discussions about the immediate tweaks introduced for the Miami Grand Prix. Those changes, aimed at reducing excessive energy harvesting and improving safety during flat-out driving, were reviewed and deemed successful. The FIA reported that the Miami package delivered improved competition with no material safety concerns identified.
The meeting also addressed other areas for future improvement. Stakeholders agreed to continue evaluating the Miami regulations with a view to introducing further adjustments at upcoming events. Specific areas of focus include revised start-safety systems, following a trial in Miami to assist cars struggling to get away from the grid, and new measures to enhance safety under wet weather conditions.
Before the 2027 hardware changes are finalized, the agreed-upon package will undergo further detailed discussion within technical groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers. Once a final package is voted on by the manufacturers, it will be sent to the World Motor Sport Council for formal ratification, a process expected to be a formality.
The next event on the Formula 1 calendar is the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, which will be another Sprint weekend taking place from May 22-24. Based on reporting from SkySports | News.
