Ferrari and Audi allegedly have concerns regarding the engine regulation changes for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The Monaco Grand Prix weekend marks a series of meetings where proposals regarding the Power Unit Advisory committee are continually being put forward.
All the proposals relate to potential changes to the 2027 engine rules.
In May, the FIA announced that it had been ‘agreed in principle’ that F1 should move away from the current 50/50 power-unit split between internal-combustion and electric engines to a 60/40. Split in favour of the internal-combustion engine.
However, the realities of this shift to a 60/40 split are still up in the air.
Monaco is the opportunity for the various engine manufacturers to meet with the FIA. They will all discuss the best way to implement the 60/40 changes.
Conflicting opinions
With such a big shift for 2027, the team will need to modify the engines to meet the new 60/40 ratio. While Mercedes, Red Bull Powertrains and Honda were all allegedly open to the changes. Audi and Ferrari weren’t as happy about the proposal.
For Ferrari, the concerns centred around the Additional Development and Upgrades Opportunities, ADUO. The implementation and how the rule changes are allowed to be made alongside their allowances.
Ferrari highlighted how expectations have changed. The 2026 F1 engine designs are set around those regulations. To change those designs now is a big ask for the prancing horses. The Maranello team are worried about the changing ADUO framework.
There is the possibility of separating the internal combustion engine, ICE, from the electrical ancillaries, as Ferrari’s main concern was the inclusion of the ICE in the ADUO.
On the flip side, Audi is happy with the proposed 60/40 split but would like to slow the ratio change. The German manufacturer instead hopes that F1 would make a smaller shift in 2027. Then fully commit to the 60/40 in 2028.
Audi’s concerns came primarily from the affordability and feasibility of the changes. Other teams have also suggested that cost is also weighing on the decisions.
Critical meetings
With the meetings taking place in Monaco, the goal is for the PUM’s and the FIA to make a clearer picture of what needs to be discussed further at the next formal Power Unit Advisory Committee, PUAC, meeting.
While the teams are hoping for quick answers regarding 2027, the formal decision doesn’t need to be made until June 14, the next PUAC meeting.
The majority needed to move towards the 60/40 split, which began over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. Initially, they had the supermajority needed to introduce engine rule changes for 2027.
However, with concerns from Audi and Ferrari, it’ll be up to the teams and the FIA to work on the current suggestions to make them palatable to all manufacturers.
One of the key benefits of the 60/40 split is the minimal hardware changes required in the power unit to enable the shift.
The biggest shift would be in fuel consumption. Requiring a larger fuel tank for the Grand Prix distances.
However, despite the disagreements and concerns, it’s clear that all the teams are on board with making the changes and are just looking to iron out the finer details and processes.
The meetings over the Monaco Grand Prix will be vital in outlining the path and steps for the 2027 season.
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