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.

Alpine says Franco Colapinto must continue improving to secure his future with the Formula 1 team beyond the 2026 season.

Colapinto joined Alpine midway through 2025 and was retained for the 2026 campaign, but his performances have yet to fully convince the French team. Heading into the Belgian Grand Prix, the Argentine sits 13th in the drivers’ standings with 13 points, while teammate Pierre Gasly occupies ninth place with 42 points.

Franco Colapinto is still fighting to secure his long-term future with Alpine

Alpine leaves Colapinto’s future open

Speaking during the British Grand Prix weekend, Alpine executive Steve Nielsen made it clear that no final decision has been made regarding Colapinto’s future.

According to Nielsen, the team expects more from the young Argentine but recognizes that he has shown signs of progress throughout the season.

“If he’s good enough, he’ll stay. If not, we’ll look for a better option. That’s Formula 1,” Nielsen said when discussing Alpine’s plans beyond 2026.

Alpine says Colapinto must continue improving to earn a contract extension.

Alpine acknowledges recent progress

Despite the uncertainty, Nielsen praised Colapinto’s recent development, particularly his consistency during races and his ability to stay closer to teammate Pierre Gasly.

The Alpine executive believes the Argentine has taken important steps forward compared to earlier in the season, pointing to several competitive weekends where his pace matched Gasly’s more closely.

However, Alpine has not yet determined its driver lineup for 2027, meaning Colapinto’s performances over the remainder of the season will likely play a decisive role in the team’s final decision.

Franco Colapinto will look to strengthen his case during the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

With several races still remaining before the end of the championship, Colapinto has multiple opportunities to demonstrate that he deserves to remain part of Alpine’s long-term plans. Strong performances during the second half of the season, beginning with the Belgian Grand Prix, could prove crucial as the team evaluates its options for the 2027 Formula 1 campaign.

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.