What is the saying about squeaky wheels? Seems all the complaining by F1 drivers about the new engine regs has found favor in the front office.Formula 1 is now preparing changes to its new-for-2026 engine regulations, with the FIA announcing plans to reduce the amount of electrical energy required, beginning in 2027.The proposals were agreed “in principle” during an online meeting involving FIA officials, Formula 1 management, team principals, and representatives from all five of the sport’s power-unit manufacturers.The upcoming revisions follow criticism from drivers over the 2026 rules package, which dramatically increased the role of hybrid energy systems. Drivers have complained that the new cars require excessive energy management, forcing them to lift off the throttle in corners and conserve power rather than drive flat-out.Under the proposed 2027 adjustments, Formula 1 would increase internal combustion engine output by about 50 kW through higher fuel flow, while reducing Energy Recovery System deployment by roughly the same amount. The goal is to make the cars easier and more intuitive to drive while maintaining competitive racing.Max Verstappen has been particularly critical of the new regulations.The FIA said the recent rule tweaks introduced at the Miami Grand Prix had already shown positive results. Those changes were designed to reduce “excessive harvesting,” the process of recharging electrical energy during a lap.According to the governing body, the Miami measures “were deemed to have delivered improved competition and represent a positive step in the continued refinement of the 2026 framework.”Additional discussions are still required before the 2027 package is finalized. Technical working groups made up of teams and engine manufacturers will continue tweaking the proposal before it is submitted for formal approval through a World Motor Sport Council vote.The FIA added that the proposals are “the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA and multi-stakeholders with input from F1 drivers.”
