FIA Sets 2027 Engine Rules: +50 kW ICE Power, –50 kW ERS, Ends 50‑50 Split

*TL;DR: 2027 F1 rules add roughly 50 kW to the combustion engine, remove about 50 kW from the hybrid system and end the current 50‑50 power split.

Context The FIA confirmed a major revision to the power‑unit formula for the 2027 season. Since 2026, teams have been limited to an even split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the energy recovery system (ERS), a balance that has drawn criticism for limiting performance diversity.

Key Facts - The new package raises nominal ICE output by about 50 kW and raises the permitted fuel flow, while ERS deployment power drops by roughly the same 50 kW. - The 50‑50 split between ICE and ERS, introduced with the 2026 regulations, is removed. The balance will still favor the battery, but the combustion side now carries a larger share of total power. - FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem indicated that a further overhaul could be moved forward to 2030, potentially re‑introducing V8 engines, which last appeared in 2013.

What It Means Teams will redesign their power units to exploit the higher ICE ceiling, likely revisiting turbo‑charging strategies and combustion efficiency. The reduced ERS ceiling should lessen “clipping,” the abrupt power loss drivers experience when hybrid deployment hits its limit, improving lap‑time consistency.

Manufacturers will need to adjust cooling, fuel‑delivery and reliability targets to accommodate the higher fuel flow and engine output. While the hybrid component remains essential for overall performance, its reduced role may shift development budgets toward mechanical efficiency rather than battery capacity.

The rule change arrives after a series of minor adjustments tested at the Miami Grand Prix, which showed negligible impact on race dynamics. The FIA plans further safety‑related tweaks, but the engine overhaul stands as the headline shift for 2027.

Looking ahead, the sport will watch how quickly teams translate the new power balance into on‑track advantage and whether the 2030 proposal to bring back V8 engines gains traction.