FIA will not change the more flexible rule on penalties for the use of Formula 1 engine components, as confirmed to RacingNews365. The measure, initially created for 2026, prevents teams from facing a higher number of grid penalties during the first years of the new technical regulations.
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Before the introduction of the new power units, drivers were allowed to use three internal combustion engines [ICE], three turbochargers, two MGU-Ks, two energy stores, and two electronic control units of the power unit during the season, in addition to five auxiliary power unit components. With the change in sporting regulations for 2026, this limit was increased to four ICEs, four turbochargers, three units of the other components, and six auxiliary components. The limit of four exhaust systems per season remains unchanged.
Initially, the plan was for the distribution to return to the previous model starting in 2027. However, FIA confirmed to RacingNews365 that the increased number of components available without penalty will also be maintained in the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
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The decision was made after changes approved for the engines of these years, when the power distribution will leave the 50% ratio between combustion engine and electric system to adopt a division of approximately 60% for the combustion engine and 40% for the electric part. Since these definitions were only concluded in May, the development period of the power units ended up reduced, increasing the risk of reliability problems and putting pressure on manufacturers.
If a driver exceeds the allowed quantity of any power unit component, they will continue to be subject to the penalties provided in the regulations. The first change above the limit results in a loss of ten grid positions for each excess component, while subsequent replacements incur a penalty of five positions per component.
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