After months of drivers slamming the complex hybrid regulations as ‘Formula E on steroids’ and Max Verstappen threatening to walk away from the sport completely, Formula 1 has officially broken under pressure, Yankee Scores reports.
Formula 1 has decided on a two-pronged approach to alter engine design following complaints about this year’s new regulations.
According to several drivers, the almost equal division between internal combustion engines and electric systems this year, along with the requirement to manage energy, has diminished the challenge in qualifying.
Formula 1 will adjust its engine rules in 2027 and 2028 by reducing the amount of electric power available in order to promote flat-out driving.
The new engines, which were introduced for 2026, have been at the core of criticism from drivers about the new style of driving and… pic.twitter.com/u8hyk7b0MS
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Placating Verstappen’s Ultimatum
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen got to such an extent that he threatened to leave Formula 1 unless something was done to amend the situation, though other drivers all concurred that the situation required a solution.
Engine manufacturers are set to alter the ration between ICE and electric engines from 50-50 to 60-40 in favor of the former by 2028 through two stages.
This compromise came following a month-long discussion, with Ferrari and Audi spearheading efforts aimed at preventing a one-stage shift to 60-40 in 2027.
A statement from governing body the FIA said: “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 proposed arrangement will lead to a shift in ratio of 58-42 in 2027 and 60-40 in 2028.
This is achieved through a 5% increase in fuel flow for ICE in 2027 and another 13% boost to the fuel flow for ICE in 2028.
More Fuel Flow, Faster Harvesting, and Flat-Out Qualifying
This will increase the ICE power output to 420kW (563bhp) and 450kW (603bhp) in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
However, electrical engine power output will be limited to 300kW (402bhp) starting from next year from the current 350kW (470bhp).
Maximum power in overtaking mode, where a driver who is within 1 second of a car ahead will have the ability to harvest 0.5MJ of energy during the lap remains at 350kW.
On the other hand, maximum harvesting power of the electrical part of the engine will increase from 350kW currently to 375kW and 400kW in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
This will enable the teams to recover energy faster, leading to shorter recovery times.
One of the major criticisms of this year’s cars has been the engine being energy-starved due to inability to harvest enough energy round a lap for the maximum allowable amount.
This has seen unusual driver behaviour like drivers lifting off throttle during qualifying runs and harvesting energy even while on full throttle.
Such actions have not only affected flat-out character of qualifying runs but attracted criticism from several drivers.
