Carlos Sainz defended a firmer stance from the FIA in discussions about the Formula 1 engines for 2027. The Williams driver stated that the entity should act firmly to ensure changes in the power unit rules, even in the face of resistance from some manufacturers.
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The FIA is currently negotiating with teams and power unit suppliers possible adjustments to the regulations for 2027. The main proposal under debate involves changing the power distribution between the combustion engine and the electric system.
Under the current rules, the expected balance is 50% of the power coming from the combustion engine and 50% from the battery system. Now, there is a proposal to modify this ratio to 60/40 starting in 2027, reducing dependence on the electric part.
According to information circulating in the category’s paddock, Audi and Ferrari are against the change. On the other hand, Honda, Mercedes HPP, and Red Bull Powertrains-Ford have already shown support or indicated they would approve the change. The problem is that any change requires a supermajority within the Power Unit Advisory Committee.
The regulation requires the support of four of the five manufacturers, in addition to the FIA itself and Formula 1. With Audi and Ferrari opposing the proposal, any vote at this time would end up failing.
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Even so, Sainz believes that the FIA should take a stronger position to implement the changes: “There is the Commission where the teams have a vote, and it was there that I told the FIA and FOM to carry this forward and remain committed,” the Spaniard told the press.
The Williams driver argued that if the FIA maintains a firm position, the teams will have to accept the decision: “If they say it has to be like this, I am sure that the teams that are complaining or maybe are not fully aligned will have no choice but to accept,” he added.
Sainz also defended that the changes could benefit the spectacle in Formula 1: “If it is for the good of the category, the races, and the show, I am very much in favor of those responsible adopting a strong stance. I think there is room to improve this engine and these regulations with what is being proposed for next year,” he concluded.
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