Formula 1’s engine suppliers are preparing for emergency discussions during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend as consensus breaks down over proposed changes to the 2027 power unit regulations. The FIA announced earlier this month that the sport would shift from the current 50:50 power split between internal combustion engines and electric motors to a 60:40 ratio, with the ICE taking on additional responsibility and reducing battery dependency.
The regulatory adjustment was agreed in principle before the Miami Grand Prix after the opening three races exposed fundamental flaws in the current system. Drivers were forced to employ energy-saving techniques like lift-and-coast and super-clipping to manage battery consumption and recovery, undermining the racing spectacle that F1 officials had hoped to achieve with the updated power units.
While all five power unit manufacturers – Audi, Honda, Ferrari, Mercedes HPP, and Red Bull Powertrains – acknowledge the need for change, they remain divided on the implementation timeline. Some manufacturers are pushing for immediate adoption in 2027, while others prefer delaying the modifications until 2028 due to development costs and technical challenges associated with redesigning their engines.
Sources indicate that Audi faces particular financial concerns, having invested heavily in developing technology optimized for the original 50:50 power distribution. The German manufacturer is reportedly reluctant to commit additional resources to completely redesign their power unit architecture. Ferrari is understood to share similar reservations about the rushed timeline for such significant technical changes.
Despite producing what many consider the benchmark engine for the new regulations, Mercedes HPP supports the proposed rule changes, while Honda has indicated they will accept whatever decision the FIA ultimately makes. The outcome of this weekend’s talks in Montreal could determine whether F1’s ambitious 2027 power unit overhaul proceeds as planned or faces significant delays.