Ferrari and Audi raise concerns as F1 2027 engine talks reach critical stage

Critical meetings over the Monaco Grand Prix weekend will determine how Formula 1 moves forward with its planned 60/40 power unit split for 2027. While an "agreement in principle" was reached to favor the internal combustion engine over electrical output, Ferrari and Audi have raised significant concerns about the path to implementation.

Why it matters:

The proposed change from a near 50/50 split to 60/40 is meant to address driving dynamics issues seen in the 2026 regulations, where lift-and-coast and corner passivity have become too integral. But with only six months left in 2026 to finalize 2027 rules, manufacturers need clarity fast to allocate test bench hours and budget cap resources.

The details:

• Ferrari's stance: The Scuderia is concerned about how the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrades Opportunities) system would apply. They want the internal combustion engine excluded from ADUO permissions but favor allowing additional development on the electrical side. The moving goalposts of rule changes are a critical issue given design decisions already made for 2026.
• Audi's position: The German manufacturer is open to a 60/40 split but wants a staggered approach—a smaller tweak for 2027 and full implementation in 2028. This is driven by feasibility concerns and cost pressures, especially after their recent Sauber takeover and R&D investment.
• Other manufacturers: Mercedes, Red Bull Powertrains, and Honda are reportedly open to the changes with minimal hardware modifications required, primarily a larger fuel tank.
• Technical impact: Increasing combustion power by ~50kW while dropping electrical output by 50kW would require a bigger fuel tank and potentially chassis carryover adjustments for teams planning to reuse 2026 chassis.

What's next:

The Monaco meetings between the FIA and power unit manufacturers aim to refine proposals for the next Power Unit Advisory Committee vote, likely at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 14. A supermajority is needed to introduce changes for 2027, and while initial agreement existed, at least two manufacturers now question the ease of implementation. If a clear path is outlined this weekend, teams and engine suppliers can finalize their development plans before the clock runs out on 2026.