Formula 1 teams will be allowed to use additional power unit components in 2027 and 2028 under the FIA’s updated engine regulations.

The FIA has approved another important update to the Formula 1 regulations, allowing teams to use additional power unit components during the 2027 and 2028 seasons as the sport transitions to its next-generation hybrid engines.

The change is designed to give manufacturers and teams greater flexibility during the introduction of the new power unit regulations, while also helping improve reliability as Formula 1 enters a new technical era.

Formula 1 teams will receive greater flexibility under the FIA’s revised engine regulations.

Teams will be allowed to use more engine components

Under the revised regulations, Formula 1 teams will be permitted to use:

• Four internal combustion engines
• Four turbochargers
• Four exhaust systems
• Three MGU-K units
• Three battery packs
• Three electronic control units

Originally, the FIA planned to reduce the number of available power unit components beginning in 2027. However, the latest revision extends the additional allocation introduced for 2026 into both the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

The updated regulations increase the number of engine components available during each season.

The new rules will improve reliability and strategy

The additional components will give teams greater flexibility when managing engine rotations throughout the championship, particularly as manufacturers continue developing the new hybrid power units.

The updated regulations also allow teams to introduce reliability improvements and performance upgrades without immediately risking grid penalties. As Formula 1 moves toward its planned 60/40 power split between the internal combustion engine and electric power, managing power unit durability will become even more important.

The revised engine regulations are expected to help teams manage reliability throughout the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

With Formula 1 preparing for one of the biggest technical changes in recent years, the FIA’s decision provides manufacturers with additional room to develop and optimize their new power units. The extra flexibility should help teams balance performance, reliability and long-term development as the next generation of Formula 1 engines makes its debut.

Max Verstappen says Formula 1’s current cars remain difficult to drive naturally despite recent regulation changes aimed at improving performance.

The Red Bull driver admitted that modern Formula 1 cars continue forcing drivers to adapt their driving style because of the heavy reliance on hybrid energy deployment and recovery. While some adjustments were introduced after the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen says the fundamental issue remains unchanged.

Max Verstappen says current Formula 1 cars still don’t feel natural to drive.

Hybrid systems continue to change the driving style

According to Verstappen, today’s Formula 1 cars require drivers to maximize battery recovery and carefully manage the deployment of the powerful MGU-K system throughout each lap.

Rather than accelerating as early as possible out of corners, drivers are sometimes forced to delay throttle application to optimize electric power delivery on the following straight. Verstappen believes this approach goes against traditional racing instincts and makes the cars feel less natural behind the wheel.

Energy management remains one of F1’s biggest challenges

The issue became especially noticeable during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where teams had to carefully balance aerodynamic efficiency with battery management.

Several teams adopted different strategies to maximize energy deployment, including adjusting corner exits and even lifting off the throttle before the end of straights to stay within the regulations. While effective, Verstappen says these techniques don’t provide the driving experience Formula 1 drivers expect.

Managing hybrid energy has become one of the biggest challenges for Formula 1 drivers.

Rule changes for 2027 could improve the situation

Formula 1 will introduce further technical changes for 2027, including a reduction in peak MGU-K power delivery and a larger battery energy window.

Although Verstappen expects those modifications to improve drivability, he believes drivers will still need to adapt their style as long as hybrid systems continue playing such an important role in Formula 1 performance.

Verstappen expects future regulations to improve drivability but says adaptation will remain necessary.

Ferrari became the first Formula 1 team to run on the new Madring circuit, helping organizers validate key systems ahead of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.

The Madring circuit reached one of its most important milestones before the 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix after Ferrari completed the first-ever F1 test on the new layout. While the Italian team used the session as a filming day, the event also gave organizers a valuable opportunity to evaluate the circuit under real Formula 1 conditions.

With the debut of the Madrid street circuit drawing closer, the successful test reinforced confidence that the venue will be fully prepared for its first Formula 1 race.

Ferrari became the first Formula 1 team to complete laps on the new Madring circuit.

Ferrari helps validate the new Madring circuit

Using the maximum distance allowed for a filming day, Ferrari completed nearly 200 kilometers with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel. Although these sessions are limited by Formula 1 regulations, they provided critical information for both Ferrari and the circuit’s organizers.

During the 18 laps, officials evaluated the new asphalt, kerbs, run-off areas, communications systems, race control procedures and trackside operations. Marshals and safety personnel also carried out key operational checks that will be essential during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

A major step toward the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

Beyond Ferrari’s own preparations, the filming day represented a significant milestone for the Madrid circuit. Organizers were able to simulate several aspects of a Formula 1 event months before the championship arrives, allowing engineers and officials to identify any final adjustments required.

The successful session also helped silence doubts about whether the circuit would be completed in time for its Formula 1 debut, demonstrating that construction and operational planning remain on schedule.

The test allowed organizers to evaluate track operations ahead of Formula 1’s arrival.

More work remains before Formula 1 arrives

Although the circuit itself passed an important test, work continues on grandstands, fan facilities and surrounding infrastructure. Those areas will be completed before Formula 1 returns to Spain later this season.

For Ferrari, the outing also offered valuable experience on a completely new circuit. Even within the restrictions of a filming day, every lap provided useful data while giving Formula 1 its first real look at Madrid’s newest venue.

Madring remains on schedule to host its first Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in 2026.

The successful Ferrari Madring test represents far more than a promotional event. It confirms that the circuit is progressing according to plan while allowing organizers to validate essential operational systems ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix. With several months still remaining before race weekend, Madrid has taken another significant step toward joining the Formula 1 calendar.