Ex-F1 Designer Gary Anderson: 2027 PU Tweaks Miss the Mark for Drivers

Former Formula 1 car designer Gary Anderson believes the power unit changes announced for the 2027 season won't solve the fundamental issue drivers face: the inability to push at full throttle throughout an entire lap. The FIA's plan involves increasing internal combustion engine power by roughly 50kW while reducing ERS deployment by a similar amount, but Anderson calls it a missed opportunity.

Why it matters:

The balance between ICE and hybrid power has been a contentious topic in F1, with drivers complaining about needing to lift and coast to manage energy. The 2027 adjustments aim to tweak the split, but Anderson argues they don't address the real problem—the inefficient use of the MGU-K and the dreaded 'super clipping' that forces drivers to back off.

The details:

• The FIA announced in principle a nominal increase of ~50kW from the ICE via a fuel-flow increase, and a ~50kW reduction in ERS deployment power for 2027.
• Anderson created a generic circuit model to highlight the flaw: drivers want full power for 60% of the lap, brake hard for 15%, leaving 25% in a "no man's land."
• He explains: "Over a lap you’re requesting full power for 60 seconds, braking for 20 seconds so in effect 33% of the lap is your maximum potential for harvesting... Then to fill the gaps comes lift and coast, and the dreaded super clipping."
• Anderson's calculations suggest the maximum battery power should be theoretically reduced to 70 kW, not the proposed adjustment. He warns that the FIA appears to be making the same mistake twice.

Between the lines:

Anderson, a respected former designer, implies that the FIA's approach lacks understanding of how drivers actually use the power unit. The 50/50 split between ICE and MGU-K creates inefficiencies that force artificial driving techniques, which frustrates drivers and compromises racing.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations already introducing a new power unit formula, the 2027 tweaks were meant to fine-tune performance. But if Anderson's critique holds weight, further revisions may be needed before the changes are finalized. The FIA has shown willingness to adjust, but the clock is ticking.