Formula 1 officials have initiated preliminary discussions about abandoning the sport’s much-promoted 50/50 power split between internal combustion engines and electric batteries as early as 2027, according to sources familiar with the talks. The potential changes represent a significant departure from current regulations and aim to address ongoing concerns about energy-starved cars that prevent drivers from attacking at maximum pace throughout qualifying sessions.
Despite recent rule modifications implemented for the Miami Grand Prix designed to restore flat-out qualifying performance, paddock insiders acknowledge these adjustments only scratch the surface of deeper systemic issues. One senior figure involved in recent discussions told The Race that the Miami changes addressed merely 20 percent of what ultimately needs fixing, highlighting the limitations of working within the current power unit framework that splits output equally between the ICE and battery systems.
The proposed modifications would involve increasing internal combustion engine output through higher fuel flow rates while simultaneously reducing battery power to combat energy starvation issues. Current analysis suggests a 50kW boost to ICE power combined with a 50-100kW reduction in battery output could deliver substantial improvements. This would shift the existing 400kW/350kW split to approximately 450kW/300kW, creating a 60/40 ratio that moves away from the manufacturer-friendly 50/50 balance originally designed to attract carmakers to the sport.
Implementation faces several technical and political hurdles, as current engines cannot accommodate increased fuel flow mid-season without risking reliability problems due to component life cycles designed around existing outputs. Any changes would require approval from at least four of the five power unit manufacturers, plus backing from the FIA and Formula One Management. While some manufacturers like Mercedes might resist due to competitive advantages under current regulations, they alone cannot block the revisions if broader support emerges for the 2027 or 2028 timeframe.