The FIA and the teams have signed off on a two‑stage roadmap that could make Formula 1 cars up to four seconds quicker per lap by the 2028 season, with a modest two‑second improvement expected in 2027.
The plan reshapes the power‑unit split from the current 53/47 ratio to 58/42 next year and finally 60/40 in 2028. Fuel flow will rise by about 5 % initially and reach roughly 13 % by 2028, while the maximum battery output drops from 350 kW to 300 kW. Harvesting capacity climbs to 375 kW in 2027 and 400 kW in 2028, and battery storage expands from 4 MJ to 5 MJ over the same period. Simulations on Albert Park, Barcelona and Shanghai show a 2‑second per‑lap gain in 2027 and a 3‑4‑second advantage in 2028, especially on power‑rich circuits.
The higher straight‑line speeds and longer acceleration bursts should ease drivers’ “battery‑run‑out” concerns, though the FIA may still limit downforce if drag becomes excessive. Four‑time champion Max Verstappen welcomed the direction, noting the changes move the sport toward a more natural, flat‑out feel. The 2028 package is expected to restore faster speed profiles and bring lap‑record challenges back to the forefront.
