Formula 1 agrees to engine design change after criticism

Formula 1 has agreed a two-step plan to change engine design in response to criticism of this year's new rules.

Drivers have complained that the near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power this year and need for energy management has diminished the challenge in qualifying.

Four-time champion Max Verstappen was so upset by the new engines he said he would quit F1 if changes were not made , but all other drivers were in agreement the issue needed to be addressed.

The engine suppliers have agreed to change the ratio to 60-40 in favour of the internal combustion engine by 2028 and will do so in two steps.

The compromise agreement comes after a month of talks in which Ferrari and Audi were leading a push to prevent the move to 60-40 being made in one step for 2027.

A statement from governing body the FIA said: "The proposed changes are intended to address issues related to energy management and fuel energy-flow characteristics and make qualifying more flat-out while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations."

The agreed plan will see the split changed to 58-42 in 2027 before moving to 60-40 in 2028.

The changes will be made by increasing the fuel-flow to the internal combustion engine (ICE) by 5% in 2027 and 13% in 2028.