McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also speaks out about the proposed rule changes for the 2027 engine regulations. The FIA recently announced that a principle agreement had been reached to abandon the fifty-fifty split for the power unit, but the engine manufacturers still disagree on the timing of the implementation of this regulatory adjustment. According to Stella, the FIA must especially continue the conversation with the manufacturers. He also warns the governing body not to enforce the changes ‘for safety reasons’.
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At the beginning of May, the FIA announced that a principle agreement had been reached to adjust the distribution of engine power from 50/50 between the combustion engine and electric energy to 60/40. However, to take the next step towards these regulatory changes for 2027, all engine manufacturers must agree. Audi and Ferrari reportedly do not want to implement the change for the next season yet, putting the rule changes in jeopardy.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella warns the FIA not to forcibly implement the rule changes in the name of safety. “I think there are some safety benefits to the proposed rule changes,” Stella told the media in Canada. “Since the changes do indeed affect the safety aspect of the transition to the 60/40 solution for the power unit.”
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Beyond just safety
However, according to Stella, the rule changes do not only affect safety. “Some aspects that need to be addressed also relate to performance, racing, and driving the cars, and ensuring that drivers feel the excitement of driving,” the team principal continues. “So there are implications that go beyond safety, and ultimately this is why the mediation of F1 and the FIA will be crucial, as well as the conversation with the engine manufacturers.”
“I am not in a position to say whether this is only being enforced for safety reasons,” Stella said. “I think this is part of a broader conversation, and it would not be correct if I said: ‘Yes, that is the case,’ because it might not be true.”
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