Formula 1 teams have agreed to make significant changes to the engine regulations just after just four rounds of racing with the much-maligned new ruleset. The roughly 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power is set to be abandoned after widespread complaints from fans and also many drivers about the 2026 cars and engines.
It was agreed at a meeting of teams, engine manufacturers and bosses representing F1 and the FIA that hardware changes are required to address many of the issues that have been raised. And instead of waiting until 2028, there was enough support for fast-tracking the process to vote in some new regulations for the 2027 season.
A key element of the agreed changes is a reduction of reliance on electrical power, with the ratio now set to be closer to 60/40 in favour of combustion. To facilitate that, an increase in fuel flow has been agreed which will provide an extra 50kW of power from internal combustion. In turn, electrical power from the battery will be reduced by the same amount, from 350kW to 300kW.
The new rules have been agreed with remarkably short notice, given significant hardware changes will be needed to make it possible. Engines will need to be more hardy to deal with the increased internal combustion demand, while changes to the chassis of the actual car will need to be taken into account to accommodate the larger fuel tanks which will be needed.
The decision to make such large-scale changes comes after some small tweaks were agreed ahead of last weekend's Miami Grand Prix. Further minor changes remain possible as the current season progresses, ahead of the more significant changes that are now to be put in place for the 2027 campaign.
A statement from the FIA read: "Evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of further adjustments at future events. These include improved start-safety revisions and measures to improve safety under wet conditions. These will be communicated to teams once defined. Improvements to the visual-signalling measures are being evaluated for the Canadian Grand Prix."
MORE TO FOLLOW
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: http://express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
