Formula 1 is moving toward a greater reliance on traditional engine power and less on electrical energy starting in 2027, though the scale of the changes has been reduced from what was initially planned.

The 2026 cars were designed around an equal 50-50 split between combustion engine power and electrical hybrid power. In practice, however, the balance currently sits closer to 53% engine power and 47% electrical, according to the FIA, the sport's governing body. Under the revised plan, that ratio will shift to 58-42 in 2027 and 60-40 in 2028. As a result, cars will consume more fuel — fuel flow is set to increase by up to 13% by 2028.

The FIA announced the changes on June 10, 2026, ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The announcement also scaled back an earlier proposal: in May 2026, the FIA had indicated an agreement in principle for a 50-kilowatt increase in engine power for 2027, but the confirmed figure is now 20 kilowatts, with the full 50-kilowatt boost deferred to 2028. Audi had raised concerns about the financial cost of major changes while teams are already in the process of designing 2027 cars. Formal approval is expected later in June 2026.

The 2026 regulations have produced more on-track overtaking, since battery power allows drivers to reclaim positions more easily. However, they have also led to drivers reducing speed on straights or slowing through corners to recharge their batteries — a tendency the FIA had already begun to address after just three races.