FIA to Raise ICE Power by 50kW in 2027 F1 Rules to Tackle Yo-Yo Racing

TL;DR: The FIA plans to increase Formula 1’s internal combustion engine power by roughly 50 kW and cut electric deployment by a similar amount starting in 2027, a move intended to eliminate the need for drivers to lift off the throttle mid‑straight to conserve energy. The adjustment will be postponed until after the 2026 season because the 2026 car designs are already finalized.

Context: The 2026 power unit regulations introduced a 50‑50 split between combustion and electric energy, which has led to early battery depletion under certain race conditions. Drivers have reported having to lift off the throttle halfway down straights to manage energy, creating a “yo‑yo” effect where speed fluctuates. FIA technical chief Nikolas Tombazis said the goal is to keep drivers able to attack on straights without the system acting purely defensively, and that the hybrid philosophy will not be abandoned.

Key Facts: The FIA will raise ICE output by about 50 kW and reduce electric deployment by a comparable amount from the 2027 season onward. Tombazis explained that the original allocation could cause very early battery depletion, so giving the combustion engine more leeway creates a more stable platform for energy management. The changes will not be applied in 2026 because manufacturers have already frozen the designs for that year’s cars, and the FIA wants to give teams sufficient lead time to optimize their concepts.

What It Means: By shifting the balance toward more combustion power, the FIA hopes to reduce lift‑and‑coast tactics and smooth straight‑line performance, addressing criticism of the current hybrid rules. The adjustment maintains the hybrid philosophy while altering the energy split, and teams will need to adapt their power‑unit strategies for the 2027 car cycle. Observers will watch how the revised power‑unit map affects lap times, overtaking opportunities, and overall race dynamics once the 2027 regulations take effect.