McLaren team principal Andrea Stella supports Max Verstappen in the debate about the future of F1 engines. The Italian backs the proposed change in power distribution to 60 percent combustion engine and 40 percent electric power, despite increasing resistance from various manufacturers. According to Stella, it is in the interest of the sport that these adjustments are definitively implemented.
Read more Charles Leclerc cheers for France during the World Cup: ‘But also wish Ronaldo the World Cup’
After the Miami GP, the FIA announced a principle agreement with the engine suppliers regarding changes to the new generation of engines. From 2027, the sport would like to switch to a 60/40 ratio. However, that plan is now under pressure. Some manufacturers, reportedly Ferrari and Audi, want the adjustment to take effect only in 2028. For Max Verstappen – who has been critical of further electrification from the start – this is a reason to reconsider his future in the sport. “I can tell you: if it stays as it is now… then we’ll have to wait and see,” he responded meaningfully this week.
Necessary
Andrea Stella fully understands those concerns and emphasizes that changes are essential to secure the future of the sport. “In my opinion, a change is necessary, even though we still have to get used to this generation of Formula 1 cars and previous adjustments have already brought progress,” he said to the media in Montreal. The Italian realizes that ‘hardware adjustments are complex,’ but at the same time sees that they will ultimately benefit the sport and all parties involved.
Read more Laurent Mekies counts on radio interference during GP Canada: ‘It will be tough’
“The FIA’s proposal includes a very important package that will make Formula 1 better,” emphasized the McLaren team principal. “That general interest should outweigh individual interests. Because if we do not protect the quality of the sport and the commercial value of Formula 1, everyone will ultimately lose.” Stella therefore hopes that the talks between FIA, FOM, and the manufacturers will still lead to an agreement. “I hope that the ongoing talks will eventually lead to a successful solution,” he concluded. “With the FIA’s proposal, we can already remove some limitations of the current formula. We now have the opportunity to do that from 2027.”
Read more Hadjar was pissed off like hell after qualifying GP Canada: ‘I really drove a lousy lap’
Read everything about the GP Canada here
