05/08/26 12:59:00
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05/08 12:18 CDT F1 leaders agree to make engine design change for 2027 season
F1 leaders agree to make engine design change for 2027 season
PARIS (AP) --- Formula 1 leaders have agreed to an engine design change for
2027 that will slightly increase internal combustion output.
F1 started the year with big changes including a 50-50 split in power between a
traditional engine and the onboard battery pack, but driver criticism was
immediate.
Governing body the FIA said it met with teams and F1 officials in an online
session Friday and that the changes were agreed in principle.
"The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase
in internal combustion engine (ICE) power by (tilde)50kW alongside a fuel-flow
increase and a nominal reduction of the energy recovery system (ERS) deployment
power by (tilde)50kW," the FIA statement said.
The changes, it added, will be "intuitive for drivers and teams."
After just three grands prix this season, tweaks were made that slightly curbed
the influence of the electrical power. They answered driver criticism by
promoting pure driving skill over electrical recharging, especially in
qualifying.
Last weekend's Miami Grand Prix was the first under those changes. Sunday's
race was one of the most wide open in recent F1 history with drivers from four
different teams leading before Kimi Antonelli took his third win of 2026 for
Mercedes.
F1 has used V6 engines with electrical hybrid power since 2014 and an increase
in the amount of electrical power has forced drivers to adjust. Timing the
electrical boost and recharging is the key to tactical racing. Four-time world
champion Max Verstappen loathes it so much he's questioned his future in F1.
The FIA said Friday's session began with a review of the changes put in place
before Miami.
"The conclusion from the deployment of modifications in Miami, designed to
improve safety and reduce excessive harvesting, was that they resulted in
improved competition and were a step in the right direction," it said.
"Evaluation of the Miami package is ongoing with a view to the introduction of
further adjustments at future events."
Next on the calendar is the Canadian Grand Prix on May 24.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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