A meeting of the F1 commission on Tuesday again failed to reach an agreement on possible new engine plans for 2027. The FIA’s proposal to increase the role of the combustion engine, including through a 60-40 ratio, remained undecided. However, new agreements have been made regarding the winter tests prior to the season and the so-called TPC programs. From next year, an additional test day will be added.
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The FIA previously spoke of a ‘principle agreement’, whereby Formula 1 would switch to a 60-40 ratio and thus rely more on the internal combustion engine. However, there is currently no definitive change. A majority of four out of six engine suppliers is required for that, but that does not seem to be in sight for now. In particular, the additional investments and technical consequences cause division, with Honda and Audi among those being cautious.
Meanwhile, Ferrari is reportedly exerting pressure behind the scenes to further influence the direction of the plans. If the 2027 rules are accepted, the ADUO rule for this season can be scrapped, while the Scuderia is counting on ADUO to close the gap to Mercedes. Reportedly, the opinion of Cadillac – and parent company General Motors – is also being influenced. The American outfit is currently a customer team of the Italians.
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Pressure from Max Verstappen
Much depends on the future regulations. Max Verstappen – one of the biggest critics of the current formula – has repeatedly hinted that the engine rules are pushing him towards the exit. When it became clear that the proposed FIA adjustments might be blocked by other teams, he again hinted at an early departure. “If it stays as it is now… we’ll see,” he said in Canada.
Decisions were made on other fronts on Tuesday. The winter test for the upcoming season will be extended from three to four days. The exact location has not yet been confirmed, although Bahrain again seems the most logical candidate, depending on the situation in the region. Finally, adjustments have been made to the TPC rules (Testing of Previous Cars) intended to prevent teams from using these tests for competitive advantages towards the future. In addition, small changes to aerodynamics and bodywork for 2027 have been approved.
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