F1's 2027 Engine Changes: Drivers' Concerns May Remain Unresolved

A clear majority of Formula 1 fans believe the power unit changes slated for the 2027 season will fail to address the issues drivers have raised with the 2026 regulations. In a GPblog poll, 76% of respondents agreed with former car designer Gary Anderson’s criticism that the adjustments repeat the same mistakes.

Why it matters:

Drivers have been vocal about concerns with the 2026 power unit rules, citing a lack of drivability, safety risks from over-reliance on electric power, and insufficient engine sound. The 2027 tweaks were meant to be a corrective measure, but if the majority is right, the fundamental flaws remain.

The details:

• The FIA announced a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW alongside a fuel-flow increase, and a nominal reduction of ERS deployment power by ~50kW for 2027.
• The changes were agreed in principle after consultations with teams, power unit manufacturers, and drivers, with further technical discussions planned.
• Gary Anderson, a respected ex-F1 car designer, argued the decision makers have made the same mistake twice — implying the adjustments do not tackle the core issues drivers face.
• In the GPblog reader poll, 76% voted "no" when asked if the 2027 changes would solve drivers' problems; only 24% said "yes."

What's next:

The final package is not yet decided, as detailed technical working groups involving teams and PU manufacturers will continue discussions. However, the prevailing sentiment among both experts and fans suggests that more substantial regulatory rethinking may be needed to truly satisfy those behind the wheel.