F1 Agrees to Drop 50-50 Engine Power Split for 2027 Season
Formula 1 teams and power unit manufacturers have agreed in principle to scrap the mandatory 50-50 ICE/ERS power split for the 2027 season, following widespread concerns that the current arrangement leaves cars energy-starved in critical corners. Under the revised framework agreed during an online meeting on May 9, ICE output would increase by approximately 50kW, matched by a corresponding reduction in ERS deployment power. The aim is for cars to run flat-out more consistently and feel more intuitive to drive. The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council is expected to ratify the hardware changes before the summer break.
Liberty Media Q1 Revenue Surges 53%; F1 Working to Restore Middle East Race
Liberty Media reported a 53% year-on-year increase in Formula 1’s first-quarter revenue to $617 million, boosted partly by an extra race compared to the same period in 2025. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is working to assess whether either the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, both cancelled in April due to regional conflict, can return to the 2026 calendar. Liberty CEO Chang told analysts he was leaving the door open for one Middle East round to be rescheduled, with the free weekend between Baku and Singapore identified as the most realistic window.
Sources: Autosport
Red Bull and Ferrari Both Race the 'Macarena' Rotating Rear Wing at Miami
Red Bull and Ferrari became the first two teams to race competing versions of a rotating rear wing in the same grand prix at Miami, with both squads deploying the concept widely known in the paddock as the Macarena wing. Ferrari's design rotates front to back by up to 270 degrees, while Red Bull's version rotates up and over through 160 degrees in the opposite direction, producing a larger visible opening. Red Bull says it began independent development as early as November 2025. McLaren and other competitors have since announced plans to develop their own interpretations.
FIA Approves Additional $8 Million Honda Development Budget Under Revised ADUO Rules
The FIA has approved modifications to its Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities regulations, granting Honda an additional $8 million development budget for 2026. The allowance applies to power unit manufacturers more than 10% below the benchmark in the first season of a new rules cycle. Honda, which supplies Aston Martin, has been struggling with abnormal vibrations and uncompetitive performance since the season opener in Australia. The funds are intended to accelerate Honda's recovery. A rival manufacturer lodged an objection but the FIA confirmed the waiver met all procedural requirements. Honda expects to deploy the budget in targeted testing before the European swing.
Sources: Motorsport.com, The Race
Sky Sports Extends Exclusive UK Formula 1 Deal Through 2034 in £1 Billion Agreement
Sky Sports has extended its exclusive Formula 1 broadcast rights deal in the United Kingdom and Ireland for a further five years, keeping the sport on Sky through 2034. The extension is reported to be worth approximately £1 billion over five years, around £200 million per season, representing a significant increase on the previous contract. All races, qualifying and practice continue exclusively on Sky Sports F1 and NOW TV, while a highlights package and selected home-nation races will be shared free-to-air with Channel 4. Sky Sports Italy's broadcast deal has also been extended separately, to 2032.
Sources: Sky Sports, Autosport
Drivers Call for Second Wave of Energy Management Rule Changes After Miami
Drivers have called on Formula 1 and the FIA to implement a second wave of regulatory fixes to the 2026 energy management rules, following changes introduced at the Miami Grand Prix. The initial measures, including a reduction in the maximum recharge limit from 8MJ to 7MJ and an increase in peak superclip deployment power from 250kW to 350kW, eased but did not eliminate lift-and-coast zones at several circuits. Multiple drivers told The Race that more substantial adjustments are needed before the Canadian Grand Prix. F1 is understood to be examining six further modifications, some applicable on a circuit-by-circuit basis.
Perez Calls for Sustained Cadillac Development Push Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
Cadillac F1 driver Sergio Perez has called on his team to maintain a sustained development push before the Canadian Grand Prix, after the team's performance gap varied significantly during the Miami race weekend. Perez, who reached 13th in the Miami Grand Prix, said understanding the current car package and improving tyre degradation are the team's most pressing priorities. Cadillac has introduced updates at each of the first four rounds as it works to establish itself as F1's 11th constructor. The team's qualifying deficit ranged from 0.3 seconds in the sprint session to 1.7 seconds in full qualifying at Miami.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Drivers' Championship
1. A. Antonelli (Mercedes) — 100 pts
2. G. Russell (Mercedes) — 80 pts
3. C. Leclerc (Ferrari) — 59 pts
4. L. Norris (McLaren) — 51 pts
5. L. Hamilton (Ferrari) — 51 pts
6. O. Piastri (McLaren) — 43 pts
7. M. Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) — 26 pts
8. O. Bearman (Haas) — 17 pts
9. P. Gasly (Alpine) — 16 pts
10. L. Lawson (Racing Bulls) — 10 pts
11. F. Colapinto (Alpine) — 7 pts
12. A. Lindblad (Racing Bulls) — 4 pts
13. I. Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) — 4 pts
14. C. Sainz (Williams) — 4 pts
15. G. Bortoleto (Audi) — 2 pts
16. E. Ocon (Haas) — 1 pts
17. A. Albon (Williams) — 1 pts
18. N. Hulkenberg (Audi) — 0 pts
19. V. Bottas (Cadillac) — 0 pts
20. S. Perez (Cadillac) — 0 pts
21. F. Alonso (Aston Martin) — 0 pts
22. L. Stroll (Aston Martin) — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 180 pts
2. Ferrari — 110 pts
3. McLaren — 94 pts
4. Red Bull Racing — 30 pts
5. Alpine — 23 pts
6. Haas — 18 pts
7. Racing Bulls — 14 pts
8. Williams — 5 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Cadillac — 0 pts
11. Aston Martin — 0 pts