James Vowles drops 2027 F1 rule change bombshell

Williams team principal James Vowles has dropped a bombshell by revealing that there will be "fairly significant" aerodynamic regulation changes for the 2027 Formula 1 season.

F1 and the FIA have faced significant criticism from drivers this season over the new power unit regulations, which have already resulted in changes for next year to the internal combustion-to-electrical power ratio.

In 2027, the current 50/50 split will move to 58/42 in favour of internal combustion, before shifting further in that direction to 60/40 from 2028.

The hope is that this will reduce the need for energy management, particularly harvesting, with factors such as super-clipping leaving drivers and fans frustrated by the inability to attack for an entire lap.

However, according to Vowles, it is not just the power unit regulations that are being adjusted, with changes also coming to the bib, rear wing and parts of the floor.

Asked if what is being learnt this year will carryover to 2027, Vowles told Sky F1: "The rules are actually changing aerodynamically for next year, and they’re fairly significant.

"There’s changes around the bib, the rear wing, some of the floor area. As a result of that, it isn’t really as carry-over as I think everyone would like in that circumstance, but it’s for good reason."

Rule changes not expected

While Vowles confirmed that adjustments are coming, the Williams boss was vague about exactly what is being changed.

He did, however, reveal that while the teams did not expect aerodynamic changes to be introduced so soon, he agrees with the decision that has been made.

Discussing if the rule changes were expected by the teams at the beginning of this year, Vowles explained: "It wasn’t (expected at the start of this season). I think it’s directionally correct, I agree with what the sport is doing.

"It will help a little bit with creating a better format, a better show frankly, but it goes hand in hand with the PU regulations that we’re doing too."

The hope is that the further regulation changes will improve the overall product, with some of this season's racing having left a sour taste for many.

Overtakes produced purely by differing battery levels, often described as "artificial", have frustrated many. However, Vowles is confident that a better spectacle will be on offer from 2027.

When pointed out that aerodynamic rule changes had not been made public, Vowles responded: "Really? I haven’t said anything that I don’t think should be public at this point. There are elements of us wanting the best product in both qualifying and racing.

"I think everyone would acknowledge that the racing has been great for a lot of it, but we’re not quite there on the perfect product in getting everything extracted from it.

"It’s a mixture of PU regs and aerodynamic regs that will help put the sport in a better place next year."