Formula 1 is tweaking its 2027 engine regulations after drivers complained that the new V6 hybrid power units were too unpredictable. The FIA, teams, and power unit manufacturers have agreed in principle to increase V6 power by 50 kW (67 hp) while reducing electric motor output by the same amount, rebalancing to 450 kW from the V6 and 300 kW from the motor-generator unit.

The changes address concerns that emerged during the 2026 season, particularly at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the battery capacity proved too small to feed the electric motor for most of a lap. With less electrical power to deploy, cars should maintain a higher state of charge throughout a race. The additional V6 output also reduces dangerous speed differentials when the engine needs to recharge mid-corner.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is pushing for even bigger changes, confirming the sport will move to simpler V8 power units by 2031. He's argued that drivers want more control and less computerized systems - even Max Verstappen has been caught out by the car sending all 350 kW of hybrid power unexpectedly. "V8 is coming," he said.

But tradeoffs remain. More powerful V6s with greater fuel flow will require either larger fuel tanks or shorter races. Either option means chassis redesigns that teams must fund under F1's tight cost cap, diverting resources from other development.