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FIA Agrees to Prioritize Thermal Power Over Electric in F1 Engines from 2027

From El Nacional · (1h ago) Spanish Mixed tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The FIA has reached a preliminary agreement to shift Formula 1 engine regulations starting in 2027, favoring internal combustion power over electric.
  • The proposed changes include a nominal increase in combustion engine power and a decrease in electric system power.
  • This decision aims to address criticisms and divisions within F1 regarding the current hybrid engine regulations, which have been called "Formula E with steroids" by some drivers.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has signaled a significant shift in Formula 1's technical regulations, announcing a preliminary agreement to re-emphasize thermal power over electric power in the sport's engines from 2027.

This proposed change, which still requires formal approval from the World Motor Sport Council, would reverse the current 50-50 parity between electric and combustion engine power that was introduced this season. The FIA's announcement follows considerable debate and criticism within the F1 community, with prominent figures like four-time world champion Max Verstappen expressing strong dissatisfaction with the current hybrid system, even likening it to "Formula E with steroids."

se han tomado medidas, en principio para 2027, que verían un aumento nominal de la potencia del motor de combustión de 50 kilovatios y una reducción nominal de la potencia del sistema eléctrico de 50 kilovatios

— Federación Internacional del Automóvil (FIA)Describing the preliminary agreement on engine power balance starting in 2027.

El Nacional, reporting from Venezuela, understands the deep divisions this regulation has caused. Verstappen's vocal criticism and even threats to leave the sport underscore the dissatisfaction among some drivers and teams. The FIA's move appears to be a direct response to these concerns, aiming to recalibrate the performance balance and potentially appease critics who feel the current regulations have diluted the essence of Formula 1.

The FIA has already implemented interim measures, such as an "adjusted" regulation for the recent Miami Grand Prix, to mitigate the most disruptive aspects of the current engine rules. However, this new preliminary agreement points towards a more fundamental restructuring of the power units, suggesting a move away from the complex energy management that has characterized recent seasons. The FIA emphasizes that these proposals are the result of extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including drivers, and further refinements are expected throughout the 2026 season.

la F1 este año es como "la Fórmula E (Eléctrica) con esteroides"

— Max VerstappenExpressing his strong criticism of the current F1 engine regulations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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