Formula 1 24 Hours

Last updated: May 9, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Regulatory Shifts & Manufacturer Support

The FIA confirmed major 2027 rule changes for Formula, signaling a complete departure from the current near 50:50 split between combustion and electrical power output in the forthcoming power units. This regulatory adjustment comes as the governing body has already offered supplemental assistance to Honda via tweaks to the 2026 specifications, aiming to help manufacturers bridge any performance gaps ahead of the new era. On the driver front, Ford expressed interest in signing Max Verstappen for potential future campaigns in their World Endurance Championship Hypercar program following their intended debut next year, indicating cross-series manufacturer ambition.

Commercial Operations & Geopolitical Risk

Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang confirmed that F1 executives are expending significant effort developing contingency plans for the series' Middle Eastern events. This heightened planning comes as the organization reports that Q1 revenue has surged, though potential instability stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran requires proactive risk mitigation strategies for scheduling races in the region.