FIA ratifies F1 power unit shift, backs Formula E calendar

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has ratified a significant shift in Formula 1's power unit regulations, rebalancing the sport's technical focus toward the internal combustion engine for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The governing body also approved an immediate update to extreme weather protocols and formally validated Formula E’s most expansive calendar to date, which introduces a new race format for its upcoming Gen4 era.

In Formula 1, the council approved amendments to the 2026 power unit rules. The current 50/50 split between the combustion engine and hybrid system will shift to a 58/42 split favoring the internal combustion engine in 2027, moving to a 60/40 split in 2028. To achieve this, internal combustion engine output will increase by approximately 25 brake horsepower in 2027, while maximum battery power will be reduced by about 67 brake horsepower. Fuel flow rates will rise by 5 percent in 2027 and by a total of 13 percent by 2028.

The council also approved other regulatory updates. A new safety protocol will now allow a "Heat Hazard" declaration to be issued separately for a sprint race or a grand prix, rather than applying to an entire weekend, providing more...