Formula 1 may undergo significant changes in power units in 2027, following Max Verstappen’s criticisms gaining momentum within the paddock. McLaren boss Andrea Stella stated he agrees with the Red Bull Racing driver on the need for changes to the current engine concept.
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The main point of the proposal discussed by the FIA foresees changing the power split between combustion and electric energy from 50/50 to 60/40. Although a ‘in principle’ agreement was announced after the Miami GP, the measure still faces resistance among engine manufacturers due to costs and possible competitive impacts.
One of the concerns involves the extra investment needed to adapt the power units already in development for 2026. Audi is pointed out as one of the manufacturers that finds it difficult to justify new million-dollar expenses after the investments made for the current generation of engines. Another point discussed is the ADUO system, which could favor teams currently at a technical disadvantage.
Verstappen had already publicly expressed support for the change after the qualifying session in Montreal. The four-time world champion stated that keeping the current regulations could make the next season extremely complicated: “If it continues like this, it will be a very long season next year, and I don’t want that. I can say that, if it continues like this, we’ll see. Mentally it’s not viable for me to stay like this,” he said.
The Dutch driver also suggested that some teams might try to block the changes for competitive interest: “Some people who maybe have an advantage at the moment will make things difficult. But if the FIA and FOM are strong, they just need to do it,” Verstappen added.
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On McLaren’s side, Stella reinforced that the changes are necessary to improve the spectacle and preserve the commercial value of the category. According to him, the package suggested by the FIA includes increasing the combustion engine power through fuel flow, redistribution of electric energy, changes in recovery and energy deployment, as well as adjustments to battery capacity.
“All of this is part of a very important package that will make Formula 1 better. This general interest needs to prevail over particular interests. Because if we don’t have good sport, if we don’t preserve the value of Formula 1, everyone will suffer losses,” said the Italian executive.
Stella also explained that drivers continue to report difficulties with the current behavior of the cars. According to him, in certain situations, a driver may exit a corner better but end up losing performance afterwards because another car preserved more electric energy to use on the next straight. For the McLaren boss, this is exactly the kind of limitation that Formula 1 intends to fix with the changes planned for 2027.
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