Versttapen threaten to quit_ Now the FIA is ready to rewrite the 2026 rules.
Formula 1 could be heading for one of its biggest technical shake-ups in years after the FIA agreed “in principle” to reduce electrical deployment by 50 kW and hand that power back to the combustion engine for the new-generation power units. The proposal still needs ratification from the World Motor Sport Council, but insiders already believe the balance of power across the grid could change dramatically. �
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The controversial 2026 regulations were originally built around a near 50-50 split between electric energy and internal combustion power, with manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz Group, Ferrari and Honda reportedly investing heavily in architectures designed specifically for that balance. But after months of criticism from drivers — led publicly by Max Verstappen — the FIA has now moved toward reducing the hybrid dependency before the rules are even fully established. �
SPORTbible +2
The original 2026 concept massively increased battery deployment to 350 kW while reducing the combustion engine’s role. Drivers feared this would create “super clipping” on straights, where cars suddenly lose major speed once electrical energy runs out. Several teams and drivers warned that the closing-speed differences could become dangerous during races. �
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Verstappen had repeatedly criticised the new rules, suggesting Formula 1 risked becoming more about energy management than pure racing. After concerns intensified following incidents earlier this season, FIA officials held emergency reviews with manufacturers and team representatives. The result is the proposed 2027 evolution: around 50 kW removed from ERS deployment and approximately 50 kW added back through increased fuel flow to the combustion engine. ďż˝
Reuters +2
That sounds like a small tweak on paper, but inside the paddock it is being viewed as potentially massive. Power-unit manufacturers have spent years developing their 2026 concepts around the original electrical-heavy philosophy. If the regulations shift toward a 60-40 combustion split instead, some engine projects may suddenly become less effective while others could gain a surprise advantage. ďż˝
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The political tension behind the scenes is also growing. Some manufacturers are believed to support the revisions because they fear the current regulations could damage the quality of racing and alienate fans. Others reportedly worry that changing the rules after development has already advanced could unfairly punish companies that interpreted the original regulations best. ďż˝
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The FIA insists the move is about safety, fairness and making the cars more intuitive for drivers. Officials also pointed to improvements seen after Miami rule tweaks aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and stabilising racing behaviour. ďż˝
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But what happens next could define the next era of Formula 1. If the proposal is officially ratified, manufacturers may need to rethink packaging, fuel systems, deployment strategies and even long-term development priorities just months before the new rules fully settle in. And with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem already speaking openly about a possible return to V8 engines later this decade, the sport suddenly looks far less certain about its hybrid future than it did a year ago.