The FIA has formalized a series of changes to the Formula 1 regulations for 2026 and has also advanced in defining the rule package that will be applied from 2027 onwards. The decisions were approved during the World Motor Sport Council meeting held in Macau and are part of the adjustment process for the new technical and sporting phase of the category.
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The changes affect different areas of the championship, including sporting rules, energy management, pre-season testing, power units, and financial regulations. Some of the changes will take effect in 2026, while others are part of the preparation for the 2027 and 2028 cycles.
One of the new features for 2026 involves extreme heat conditions. The FIA confirmed that the heat risk declaration can be applied separately for a Sprint and for the main Grand Prix of the same weekend. In other words, the entity may recognize a high heat risk in only one of the activities, without necessarily extending the measure to the entire event. For this, the communication must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Another important change for 2026 is related to the use of electric energy in adverse track situations. In low grip conditions, wet track, or reduced visibility, the FIA has reintroduced an energy boost mode. The objective, however, will not be to increase the cars’ performance but to avoid power loss in certain circumstances. In these cases, the overtaking mode will be deactivated, preventing drivers from gaining additional performance while this feature is in use.
The entity also approved changes for 2027. The main one is the increase in pre-season testing, which will go from three to four days. The measure extends the time available for teams and drivers to adapt to the cars, especially during an important technical transition period for the category.
Also for 2027, the FIA ratified the first edition of the new technical regulation. According to the entity, this package includes structural updates, wording adjustments, and technical changes aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and rule enforcement. The text also incorporates learnings obtained throughout the 2026 season, indicating that the FIA will continue adjusting the regulation as the new cars are understood in practice.
Another central point is the evolution of power units. The FIA confirmed changes already proposed in the power split between the combustion engine and the electrical systems. The goal is that, by 2028, the distribution reaches a ratio of 60% for the combustion engine and 40% for the battery. The approved package includes adjustments to the thermal engine power, fuel energy flow, use of the energy recovery system, and greater flexibility for energy management.
This means that the power unit regulations will still go through a phase of development and refinement. The FIA has already defined the general direction, but the full implementation of the changes will be gradual, with adjustments planned until 2028.
Besides these points, the World Council approved measures related to the supply of power units, management of reconnaissance laps, race distances at certain circuits, and changes to financial regulations linked to the 2027 and 2028 technical and sporting packages.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the work on evolving the rules will continue even after the 2026 regulations come into effect.
“The FIA continues to oversee the evolution of the 2026 regulations and is working closely with all stakeholders in the motorsport community,” he said.
Ben Sulayem also highlighted that the category is already discussing the next steps for the future of Formula 1, including new powertrain possibilities.
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“Together, we are exploring the future direction of the championship and assessing how the sport can balance innovation, sustainability, performance, and fan appeal in the coming years. Discussions about future engine concepts, including V8s powered by sustainable fuels, demonstrate the willingness of all parties to help shape the next chapter of the sport,” he added.
With this, the FIA makes it clear that the 2026 regulations will not be a final point but the beginning of a new phase of adjustments. The already confirmed changes define part of Formula 1’s immediate path, while the 2027 and 2028 packages are still expected to receive new refinements in the coming months.
What changes in F1 in 2026, 2027, and 2028
What changes in 2026:
– The extreme heat risk declaration can be applied separately for a Sprint and the main GP.
– The decision on heat risk must be communicated at least 24 hours in advance.
– In low grip, wet track, or reduced visibility situations, an energy boost mode will be reintroduced.
– This energy mode will only serve to prevent power loss of the cars in adverse conditions.
– When this feature is in use, the overtaking mode will be deactivated.
What does not change in 2026:
– The energy boost mode cannot be used to generate extra performance gain.
– The overtaking mode will continue to exist but cannot be activated in situations where the special energy feature is active.
– The FIA will continue monitoring the application of the 2026 regulations throughout the season.
What may still change in 2026:
– The practical application of the new energy rules may generate new adjustments.
– The FIA will use learnings from the 2026 season to refine the 2027 regulations.
What changes in 2027:
– Pre-season testing will increase from three to four days.
– A new version of the technical regulation comes into effect.
– The 2027 regulation will have structural updates, wording adjustments, and technical changes.
– The goal will be to improve clarity, consistency, and rule enforcement.
– The 2027 package will incorporate learnings obtained during the 2026 season.
– There will also be changes to financial regulations linked to the technical and sporting packages.
What does not change in 2027:
– The 2027 regulation does not represent a completely isolated change but a continuation of the cycle started in 2026.
– The FIA will continue adjusting the rules in dialogue with teams, manufacturers, and other involved parties.
– The overall championship structure continues gradual evolution, without a total break announced for 2027.
What may still change in 2027:
– Technical details of the regulation may be refined as the FIA evaluates the functioning of the 2026 cars.
– Measures related to race distances, reconnaissance laps, and power unit supply may still receive application adjustments.
What changes in 2028:
– The power distribution of power units should reach a ratio of 60% for the combustion engine and 40% for the battery.
– The package foresees adjustments to the thermal engine power.
– There will also be changes in fuel energy flow.
– The use of the energy recovery system will be revised.
– Teams will have greater flexibility in energy management.
What does not change in 2027:
– Formula 1 will continue using hybrid power units within this regulatory cycle.
– The combustion engine will remain part of the package, even with changes in the participation of electrical systems.
– The transition will be gradual, without immediate replacement by a completely new engine concept.
What may still change in 2028:
– The FIA is still expected to detail the full application of the power unit changes.
– Adjustments to power, energy recovery, and fuel flow may be refined until final implementation.
– The category is also continuing to discuss future engine concepts, including the possibility of V8s powered by sustainable fuels, but this is not yet part of a confirmed immediate change.
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