Formula 1 is revving up for a major shift in 2027. Following widespread criticism of the current power units, F1 bosses have greenlit a change to engine design aimed at restoring the raw excitement of qualifying.

Drivers have been vocal about the challenges posed by the near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power introduced this season. The heavy reliance on energy management has, they argue, diluted the thrill of pushing to the limit during qualifying laps.

In a pivotal meeting on Friday—attended by teams, Formula 1's commercial rights holder, and the FIA—a principle was agreed upon: increase the internal combustion engine's power contribution by 50kW (67bhp) while reducing electrical output by the same amount. The goal? Let drivers attack corners and straights with more conventional, flat-out aggression, bringing back the edge-of-your-seat drama that defines F1's fastest sessions.

Currently, cars must recover energy even at full throttle, causing speed drops before corners and through fast curves. This new balance aims to eliminate that hesitation, giving drivers more control and a purer racing experience.

The FIA confirmed the unanimous agreement, with technical groups now set to hammer out the details alongside teams and power-unit manufacturers. While the changes will require further engine development, one senior insider summed up the mood: "Everybody is in the mood for a challenge."

This forward-looking decision echoes positive feedback from last weekend's Miami Grand Prix, where engine operation tweaks were hailed as "a step in the right direction." McLaren's world champion Lando Norris, who finished second in Miami, noted: "It's a small step, but not to the level Formula 1 should be at yet. If you go flat out like in previous years, you still get penalized. It's not about being on the throttle everywhere—it should be."

For fans and gearheads alike, this signals a return to the visceral, high-octane racing that makes F1 legendary. Whether you're trackside or suiting up in your favorite team gear, 2027 can't come soon enough.