Breaking: FIA announce major F1 engine changes after driver complaints

The FIA has confirmed that major changes will be made to the current power units for 2027.

The announcement comes following an online meeting convened by motorsport's world governing body, and attended by the 11 team principals, Formula One Management and representatives from the five power unit manufacturers - Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Powertrains, Audi and Honda. In principle, an agreement was reached on several proposals.

The decisions come following changes applied to the regulations ahead of the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend, primarily on the grounds of safety, and for qualifying to again become a more flat-out test of driver and car.

Despite a positive reaction to the moves made at the Miami International Autodrome, there was a feeling amongst the drivers that the changes did not go far enough, and, as had been stated since the start of the season, that alterations be made to the hardware to improve the show during a grand prix.

Via a statement, the FIA has made clear those changes to the power unit will be made for the 2027 campaign.

The statement read: "Today’s meeting began with a review of the amendments introduced for the Miami Grand Prix before discussion moved to longer-term regulatory considerations.

"The conclusion from the deployment of modifications in Miami, designed to improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, was that they resulted in improved competition and were a step in the right direction. Following analysis and consultation, the FIA reported that no material issues or safety concerns had been identified from Miami.

"Evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events. These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined. Improvements to the visual-signalling measures are being evaluated for the Canadian Grand Prix."

Turning to the longer-term measures, the FIA stated that, "there was unanimous commitment to introduce changes which further enhanced fair and safe competition, that were intuitive for drivers and teams and were in the best interests of the sport.

"The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW with a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW.

"It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and Power Unit Manufacturers was required before the final package was decided.

"The final proposals presented during today’s meeting are the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA and multi-stakeholders, with invaluable input from F1 drivers.

"The next step is to formally present these regulatory changes, once refined, for a World Motor Sport Council e-vote, once the power unit manufacturers have voted on this package.

"The 2026 regulations were developed and agreed in close partnership between the FIA, FOM, teams, OEMs and power unit manufacturers. Today’s proposals were discussed against the backdrop of this spirit of collaboration."