F1 Agrees to Revise 2027 Engine Rules After Driver Backlash Over Hybrid System

Formula 1 teams and the FIA have agreed in principle to revise the sport’s planned 2027 engine regulations , increasing the role of traditional combustion power after widespread criticism from drivers over the current hybrid-heavy design.

The FIA said after an online meeting on Friday that the proposed changes would increase the output of the internal combustion engine (ICE) by around 50kW, while reducing the deployment power of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) by a similar margin. A fuel-flow increase has also been proposed to support the changes.

F1 has used V6 hybrid power units since 2014, combining turbocharged combustion engines with electrical energy recovery systems. Under the latest regulations introduced this season, power delivery was split almost equally between the petrol engine and onboard battery systems in an effort to improve efficiency and sustainability.

However, several drivers complained that the heavier reliance on electrical deployment made racing overly dependent on battery harvesting and energy management rather than outright driving skill. The criticism was especially strong during qualifying sessions, where drivers had to carefully manage energy recovery zones and power deployment strategies.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was among the most vocal critics, previously questioning his long-term future in the sport over the direction of the regulations.

In response, the FIA introduced interim adjustments after the opening three races to reduce excessive energy harvesting. Those tweaks debuted at the recent Miami Grand Prix, where drivers from four different teams led the race before Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli claimed victory.

The FIA said the Miami changes improved competition and driver experience, with further adjustments expected before the Canadian Grand Prix on May 24 .