Formula 1 drivers have expressed cautious approval following the announcement of modified engine regulations for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, but many emphasized that the changes are unlikely to markedly transform the nature of racing.

The revised rules come after the introduction of a new power unit format in 2026, which featured an almost equal split between combustion engines and electric power. The shift to a 50/50 hybrid system generated notable criticism from drivers, who pointed to the increased reliance on energy management and the complexities of harvesting and deploying electrical power as detracting factors. Concerns also arose over fewer full-power laps during qualifying sessions, altering traditional racing dynamics.

This year’s racing has seen energy usage create a “cat-and-mouse” style of on-track battles, with some drivers gaining positions by expending battery reserves but then losing defensive capability against rivals conserving energy. Following discussions over recent months involving Formula 1’s governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), all 11 teams, and engine manufacturers, an agreement was reached to adjust engine specifications. The new regulations will gradually reduce the proportion of electrical power, dropping from an initial 50 percent in 2026 to 40 percent beginning in 2028. Prior to 2026, battery contributions to power units were roughly 20 percent.

Several minor adjustments to energy management rules were implemented during the current season to encourage more full-throttle qualifying laps, but more substantial changes are expected to take effect next year.

Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, has been one of the most vocal critics of the current hybrid engines. In February, he described the cars as “anti-racing” and admitted finding them “not a lot of fun,” even suggesting that his enjoyment—or lack thereof—might influence his future in the sport. Speaking in Spain ahead of the Barcelona Grand Prix, Verstappen acknowledged the recent decision as a positive development but expressed disappointment over what he described as political complications during negotiations, citing opposition from Audi and Ferrari to earlier proposed changes.

“I do think it was nice to see that changes are being made, of course already this year, but then also next year,” Verstappen said. “Of course, I would have hoped that next year would have been, let’s say, what we get in ’28.” Despite frustrations, he regarded the current path as moving in the right direction.

Lando Norris, the 2021 world runner-up, characterized the adjustments as “a small step in the right direction” and noted that while drivers broadly support the move, they desire further changes in future seasons. “By 2029 or 2030 maybe, there can be even bigger changes,” he said, emphasizing the incremental nature of the current modification.

Sergio Pérez of Cadillac also acknowledged the changes as “definitely positive” but tempered expectations regarding immediate impact on the driving experience. “At the end of the day, we’re going to have the same engines, and it’s going to be very similar,” Pérez commented. “It’s not going to change the world. It’s never going to go back to what we used to have. So I don’t expect that it will be that much of a change.”

The negotiations reflected the differing interests of engine manufacturers. Audi, which entered Formula 1 this season, sought to maintain current regulations for 2027 to protect its recent investments and development efforts. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner reiterated the company's preference for stability during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri recognized the complexity of balancing these competing priorities. “It’s not an easy thing when they’ve just spent so much money and so much effort building one engine to then redo a lot of things for next year,” he said. “I fully get it would have been very tough, but I think clearly as a sport we recognize that change needed to happen. So it’s certainly better than nothing.”

As Formula 1 continues to refine its technological and regulatory framework, drivers and teams appear united in the view that more substantial evolution will be necessary to meet the sport’s long-term competitive and sustainability goals.