F1 news: Formula One set to revise engine regulations for 2027 and 2028

Formula One has agreed a series of engine rule changes for the 2027 and 2028 seasons in a move away from the current 50-50 power split between internal combustion engines and electrical energy.

The changes were approved by teams and manufacturers following concerns raised during the opening races of the 2026 season regarding energy deployment and overall race management under Formula One's new power unit regulations.

The proposals will now be submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for final approval on June 23, per Sky Sports F1.

Why are the rules changing?

The current regulations introduced for 2026 placed a greater emphasis on electrical power, creating a 50-50 split between combustion and hybrid energy.

While the regulations achieved many of Formula One's sustainability goals, concerns quickly emerged regarding energy management and the impact it was having on racing.

In a statement, the FIA explained the reasoning behind the proposed changes.

"The agreement follows discussions held since the opening races of the 2026 season, following concerns identified in relation to energy management under the new Power Unit framework.

"The proposed changes are intended to address issues related to energy management and fuel energy flow characteristics and make Qualifying more flat-out while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations."

The governing body added that it intends to expedite the approval process to provide teams and manufacturers with sufficient time to adapt.

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What will change?

The revised regulations are expected to reduce the reliance on electrical deployment and place greater emphasis back on traditional engine performance.

Formula One believes the move will help drivers push harder throughout qualifying laps while also reducing concerns around energy conservation during races.

The objective is not to abandon the hybrid era but rather to create a better balance between sustainability targets and competitive racing.

Several teams and drivers have voiced support for the direction of the changes throughout the season.

Verstappen welcomes the decision

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was among those to react positively to the announcement.

"It's definitely heading into a very positive direction. I think it's the minimum I was hoping for.

"I think it's really nice that's what they want to do. That's definitely what I think also the sport needs."

Verstappen has been one of the more vocal critics of certain aspects of the new regulations and believes the changes will improve the overall Formula One product.

"What I said before with the changes, hopefully that will happen next year, that will already help a lot.

"I've always said it doesn't matter if I had a good car or not, it's just a product, and I think the product will improve like that, so naturally I think then the enjoyment will go up as well."

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Looking ahead

The 2026 regulations marked one of the biggest technical overhauls in Formula One history, attracting manufacturers including Audi and Ford to the sport.

The agreed adjustments suggest Formula One is willing to refine those rules rather than completely overhaul them, with the aim of preserving close racing while improving the driving experience.

If approved by the World Motor Sport Council later this month, the revised engine regulations will form a key part of Formula One's future direction heading into 2027 and 2028.

For teams, manufacturers and drivers alike, the focus now shifts to adapting to the next phase of Formula One's evolving technical era.

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Aidan Leo

Aidan Leo is News Lab 24’s content editor and co-founder of SEO Lab 24. He is also a sports journalist, publisher, and content strategist with experience across digital publishing, SEO, and multimedia content production.

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