The 2027 Formula 1 Season: Complete Guide
Overview
The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship will be the 78th running of the Formula 1 World Championship. It is expected to be contested by 22 drivers across 11 teams over approximately 24 rounds. This season represents the second year under the revolutionary technical and power unit regulations introduced in 2026, meaning the cars will be an evolution of the radical new-era machines rather than a fresh overhaul. With stable regulations, the competitive order could shift significantly as teams refine their understanding of the new rules.
Technical Regulations
The New-Era Cars Continue
The 2027 cars carry forward the sweeping 2026 regulation changes. These machines are fundamentally different from the previous generation:
- Lighter and smaller: The minimum weight drops by 30 kg to 768 kg, the maximum wheelbase is reduced by 200 mm, and overall width is cut by 100 mm.
- Active aerodynamics replace DRS: The Drag Reduction System has been eliminated. In its place, cars feature moveable front and rear wings that switch between two modes — Z-Mode (high downforce for cornering) and X-Mode (low drag for straights). Unlike DRS, drivers can use X-Mode on any straight regardless of proximity to other cars.
- Manual Override (Overtake Mode): When within one second of the car ahead, a driver can deploy an extra burst of electrical energy (up to 0.5 MJ, roughly 67 bhp) from the MGU-K using a steering wheel button. This energy comes at a cost — deploying it early means less battery power available later in the lap.
- Partial active aero zones: The FIA defines Activation Zones at each circuit, similar to former DRS zones but more numerous, controlling where full and partial aero activation is permitted.
Car Dimensions Comparison (Pre-2026 vs 2026+)
| Specification | Pre-2026 | 2026 Onwards | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum weight | 798 kg | 768 kg | -30 kg |
| Max wheelbase | 3,600 mm | 3,400 mm | -200 mm |
| Max width | 2,000 mm | 1,900 mm | -100 mm |
| Front tyre width | 305 mm | 280 mm | -25 mm |
| Rear tyre width | 405 mm | 375 mm | -30 mm |
| Downforce/Drag | High downforce | Low drag focus | -30% downforce / -55% drag |
Safety Enhancements
The 2026+ regulations also introduced stronger safety standards that remain in force for 2027:
- Roll hoop loads increased from 16G to 20G.
- A new two-stage nose design prevents the front structure from snapping off entirely during impacts.
- New lateral safety lights clearly signal the ERS status of a stopped car to marshals and drivers.
- Side intrusion rules are more stringent, with improved protection around the driver and fuel cell area.
Power Unit Regulations
50/50 Hybrid Split and Sustainable Fuel
The 2027 power units maintain the transformative 2026 architecture:
- Near 50/50 energy split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical power, a dramatic shift from the previous ~80/20 ratio.
- MGU-K output tripled from 120 kW to 350 kW, making the electric motor a dominant performance factor.
- ICE peak output reduced from approximately 550 kW to around 400 kW, with fuel flow cut from 100 kg/hr to roughly 75 kg/hr.
- MGU-H eliminated: All energy recovery duties fall on the MGU-K and the ICE, simplifying the power unit and lowering the barrier to entry for new manufacturers.
- 100% advanced sustainable fuel: The ICE runs entirely on synthetic fuels made from captured carbon, waste streams, or non-food biomass, supporting F1's Net Zero by 2030 target.
Power Unit Manufacturers and Team Supply (2026–2030)
Six power unit manufacturers are registered for the 2026–2030 regulation cycle. Their team supply arrangements for 2027 are expected to mirror 2026:
| Power Unit Manufacturer | Teams Supplied |
|---|---|
| Ferrari | Ferrari, Haas, Cadillac |
| Mercedes | Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, Alpine |
| Red Bull Ford | Red Bull, Racing Bulls |
| Honda | Aston Martin |
| Audi | Audi (formerly Sauber) |
| GM (from 2029) | Cadillac (target from 2029) |
GM Performance Power Units LLC has been officially approved by the FIA as an F1 power unit supplier starting in 2029. The Cadillac team will use Ferrari power units until then. Development and testing of GM's prototype engine technology is already underway, with a $150 million investment and a dedicated facility near Charlotte, North Carolina. TWG Motorsports boss Dan Towriss has stated the engine programme is "ahead of schedule" and the focus remains on a 2029 debut.
The 2027 Calendar
Confirmed and Expected Races
The full 2027 calendar has not yet been officially released, but 23 confirmed grands prix are in place, with a 24th expected. The calendar features several notable changes from 2026.
Key Calendar Changes for 2027
- Dutch Grand Prix dropped: Zandvoort's contract expires after 2026 and will not be renewed.
- Portuguese Grand Prix returns: Portimão (Algarve International Circuit) replaces Zandvoort on a two-year deal for 2027 and 2028.
- Belgian Grand Prix (Spa) on rotation: Spa-Francorchamps moves to an alternating schedule, hosting races in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
- Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on rotation: The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has signed a new contract to host races in 2028, 2030, and 2032, alternating with Spa's slot.
- No Barcelona in 2027: With Madrid hosting the annual Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, Barcelona drops off in 2027 and returns in 2028.
Expected 2027 Race Venues
Based on confirmed contracts and expected events:
| Region | Grands Prix |
|---|---|
| Middle East | Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, Japan, China, Singapore |
| Americas | Miami, Canada, United States (Austin), Mexico, São Paulo, Las Vegas |
| Europe | Portugal (Portimão), Monaco, Spain (Madrid), Austria, Britain, Belgium (Spa), Hungary, Italy (Monza) |
The 24th slot remains open. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted at Turkey as a possibility, though it is described as "far from a done deal".
Future Calendar Prospects (2028+)
Several countries are vying for spots on the F1 calendar in future years:
- Thailand: The Thai government approved a $1.23 billion bid for a Bangkok street race from 2028 to 2032, making it the most advanced new-race prospect.
- Africa: Rwanda and South Africa remain in contention, though no race in Africa has been confirmed for 2027.
- Other candidates: South Korea, Argentina, Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkey have all expressed interest at various stages.
Tyre Supplier
Pirelli remains the exclusive tyre supplier for the 2027 season, continuing a partnership that began in 2011. The current contract covers 2025 to 2027, with an option to extend into 2028. Pirelli beat rival bidder Bridgestone to secure this deal. For the new-era cars, Pirelli has been tasked with producing tyres with a wide working range, minimal overheating, and low degradation to enable varied race strategies.
Teams and Drivers
The 11-Team Grid
The 2027 season will feature 11 teams — including Cadillac, which joins the grid for 2026 as F1's first new team in years. Here is the confirmed driver picture as of February 2026:
| Team | Driver 1 | Driver 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLaren | Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri | Both on long-term deals (Norris to ~2027, Piastri to 2028+) |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen | TBC | Verstappen contracted until end of 2028, but has early exit clauses |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc | TBC | Leclerc's deal believed to run to ~2029; Hamilton holds an option for 2027 |
| Mercedes | TBC | TBC | Russell and Antonelli on multi-year deals but exact length unknown |
| Williams | TBC | TBC | Albon and Sainz have multi-year deals; exact end dates unconfirmed |
| Aston Martin | TBC | TBC | Alonso's contract expires end of 2026; Stroll on rolling deal |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | TBC | Gasly contracted through end of 2028 |
| Haas | TBC | TBC | Ocon and Bearman contracts expire end of 2026 |
| Audi | TBC | TBC | Hulkenberg and Bortoleto on multi-year deals, length unknown |
| Racing Bulls | TBC | TBC | Lawson and Lindblad only confirmed through 2026 |
| Cadillac | Sergio Perez | Valtteri Bottas | Both signed multi-year deals; exact length unknown |
Key Driver Market Storylines
The 2027 driver market is wide open, with only a handful of seats confirmed:
- Max Verstappen's future: While contracted to Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen's deal reportedly includes a performance-related exit clause that could allow him to leave after 2026. His decision will dominate the silly season and could trigger a cascade of moves.
- Lewis Hamilton's option year: Hamilton's Ferrari deal is understood to be a baseline two-year contract (2025–2026) with an option for 2027. At age 42, the question of whether he continues will be one of the biggest storylines.
- Fernando Alonso's retirement decision: The two-time champion turns 45 in July 2026 and is out of contract at the end of that season. Whether he retires or continues with Aston Martin remains to be seen.
- Cadillac's experienced lineup: The new American team has opted for veteran experience in Perez and Bottas, but their multi-year contracts could be reassessed depending on performance.
Financial Regulations
Cost Cap for 2027
The cost cap was raised from $135 million to $215 million beginning in 2026. The FIA has stated this increase is not additional spending but rather a recalculation that incorporates inflation since 2021 and brings previously excluded costs inside the perimeter. This figure is expected to remain broadly stable into 2027 with indexation adjustments for inflation.
Key cost cap details:
- Included: Car design and development, aero, race operations, testing, and most staff salaries.
- Excluded: Driver pay, three highest-paid personnel, marketing and hospitality, major infrastructure.
- Capital expenditure allowance: $45 million spread across a four-year cycle for facilities investment.
- Separate power unit cost cap: Controls how much manufacturers can spend on developing, building, and supplying engines.
Sporting Regulation Changes
Several sporting adjustments have been confirmed starting from the 2026 and 2027 seasons:
- Single pre-season test from 2027: After the expanded three-test programme in 2026 (needed for the major regulation change), 2027 returns to a single pre-season test. Domenicali confirmed this will be a single three-day test.
- FP1 extension on Sprint weekends: If a red flag disrupts FP1 during a Sprint event, the session can be extended to ensure drivers get adequate practice time.
- Sprint Qualifying tyre restrictions: Limitations on dry tyre usage during Sprint Qualifying remain in effect even if wet conditions are declared.
- Simplified race suspension procedures: Rules around race suspension and resumption have been streamlined.
Pre-Season and Launch Events
Potential Joint Launch Event
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Formula One Management is considering a repeat of the all-teams joint launch event seen in London in 2025 (the "F1 75" show). "We are also thinking about, as we did two years ago, a potential global launch with all the teams together," Domenicali said. The event is described as "a work in progress" and would focus on livery designs and sponsor reveals rather than technical details.
The 2025 London event proved divisive — while it attracted a large audience and sold out in person, some teams felt smaller outfits were overshadowed by top teams in the media coverage. Some drivers, including Max Verstappen, were reportedly reluctant about future appearances after being jeered at the O2 Arena.
Pre-Season Testing
With regulations remaining stable from 2026 to 2027, the testing programme will be significantly reduced:
- 2026: Three test sessions (shakedown in Barcelona, two three-day tests in Bahrain) to accommodate the new car complexity.
- 2027: Return to a single three-day pre-season test.
Cadillac: F1's Newest Team
Team Background
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team is the sport's 11th entrant, making its debut in 2026. The project originated as an Andretti Global bid, which was approved by the FIA in 2023 but only gained commercial approval from F1 after the project was handed to Andretti's parent company, TWG Motorsports.
Engine Programme Progress
- Current supply: Ferrari power units and gearbox internals for 2026–2028.
- Own engine target: 2029, with GM Performance Power Units LLC officially approved by the FIA.
- Facilities: European base next to Silverstone; new US headquarters under construction in Fishers, Indiana, expected to be completed by early 2027. A separate engine facility near Charlotte is part of a $150 million investment.
- Gearbox independence: While using Ferrari engine and gearbox internals, Cadillac designs its own gearbox casing and suspension.
Sustainability and Innovation
The 2027 season continues F1's push toward its Net Zero by 2030 target:
- 100% sustainable fuel: All cars run on advanced synthetic fuels verified under the FIA's Sustainable Racing Fuel Assurance Scheme (SRFAS).
- "Drop-in" technology: The fuels are compatible with existing combustion engines and fuel distribution networks, positioning F1 as a testbed for real-world decarbonisation of the 1.2 billion combustion vehicles expected on roads by 2030.
- FSC-certified tyres: All Pirelli F1 tyres use Forest Stewardship Council-certified materials.
- Increased electric emphasis: The tripled MGU-K output and elimination of the MGU-H create a simpler, more relevant hybrid architecture that attracted new manufacturers like Audi and Ford.
What to Watch in 2027
- Year-two evolution: Teams will have had a full season to learn the 2026 cars. Expect significant development gains and potential competitive order shake-ups as the grid converges on optimal designs.
- Verstappen's decision: Whether the four-time champion stays at Red Bull or triggers his exit clause will be the biggest off-track story.
- Cadillac's progress: The American team's second season will reveal whether it can close the gap to the established midfield.
- Active aero refinement: With a year of real-world data, expect teams and the FIA to fine-tune activation zones and Manual Override parameters to optimise racing quality.
- New race in Portugal: Portimão's return after a five-year absence adds a fan-favourite track known for dramatic elevation changes and exciting racing.
