Formula One is set to transition away from electric power for 2027. The 2026 engine regulations changed the power units to be roughly 50:50 combustion and electrical power. This has placed a lot of emphasis on the importance of electrical management compared to 2025, which saw a roughly 80:20 split in favour of combustion power. Although this has helped to increase the on-track action, there have been critics of the new style of racing. The World Motor Sport Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed 60:40 power split, again in favour of combustion for the 2027 season. This will be achieved by increasing the fuel flow permitted.
The FIA has revised its regulations to help struggling power unit manufacturers. To avoid power unit manufacturers falling too far behind, as we saw at the start of the V6 turbo era, the FIA previously introduced its Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system. At three points during the season, power unit manufacturers may be granted additional development time if their power unit has a performance deficit. To accommodate the cancellation of two races last month, the FIA has adjusted these checkpoints to be after the Canadian and Hungarian Grand Prix, which is one race earlier than initially planned. Additionally, a new 10% or higher performance category has been added. All engine suppliers more than 8% behind would get 190 extra test bench hours, but now 230 hours are up for grabs if the engine is more than 10% behind. This could help power units that have been severely struggling, like Honda, which is having a horrible opening season with Aston Martin.
Sky Sports has renewed its partnership with F1 to secure exclusive broadcast rights until 2034. The previous agreement, which was signed in 2022, was set to expire at the end of 2029. This will see Sky Sports remain the exclusive live broadcaster of Formula One in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The deal also includes exclusive rights in Italy, although that deal only runs until 2032. Sky first began broadcasting Formula One in 2012, initially running alongside the BBC and then Channel 4. Since 2019, Sky has been the only full-season broadcaster in the region, with Channel 4 only broadcasting the British Grand Prix live. While the deal is praised by some fans, others have criticized the deal, which prevents fans from accessing more affordable streaming options like F1’s in-house F1TV subscription.
Max Verstappen may get the opportunity to participate in the World Endurance Championship with Ford, which is set to start its Hypercar programme in 2027. Ford, which has partnered with Red Bull to produce its F1 power unit, currently races in WEC’s LMGT3 class. But from 2027 onwards, the company also plans to have an LMDh prototype entry. Verstappen, who has started racing in GT3 this season in Germany, seems like he would be open to participating in more sports car opportunities. The LMDh class is much closer in performance to Formula One. Although there are no concrete plans to give Verstappen an opportunity in WEC, Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook has admitted that the team has had regular discussions about the topic.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
