Red Bull backs Verstappen's call for 2027 engine hardware changes

Red Bull Racing is pushing for hardware changes to Formula 1's current-generation power units by 2027, aligning with Max Verstappen's long-standing criticism and supporting a similar call from McLaren's Andrea Stella. This move signals a growing push to fundamentally alter the 50/50 energy split concept, which could face resistance from current engine benchmark Mercedes.

Why it matters:

The debate over F1's current power units is shifting from software tweaks to a fundamental hardware redesign, which could reset the competitive order. Red Bull's public stance is significant as it represents a key manufacturer siding with drivers and a rival team against the technical status quo, making a 2027 rule change increasingly plausible.

The details:

• Following recent software-based adjustments for 2026 aimed at improving qualifying performance, key figures are now advocating for physical changes to the power units themselves.
• McLaren team principal Andrea Stella first publicly suggested examining hardware to potentially adjust the 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and battery.
• Red Bull Ford has now confirmed its support for this hardware change approach, directly backing Verstappen's view that deeper fixes are needed for drivers to push flat-out.
• Manufacturer Alignment: With Audi also reportedly not opposed in principle, a supermajority in favor—requiring support from four of the five power unit manufacturers, the FIA, and Formula One Management—is becoming a realistic scenario.
• Mercedes' Position: Mercedes, whose power unit is considered the current benchmark, would be the most logical opponent to such costly and disruptive changes but may have little recourse if a supermajority forms.

What's next:

The focus now turns to formalizing discussions among all stakeholders for the 2027 season, as hardware changes require a long lead time.

• If the coalition behind hardware changes holds, the governing bodies could initiate the formal process to redesign the power unit specifications.
• Such a change would represent one of the most significant mid-cycle technical shifts in recent F1 history, with the potential to alter the competitive hierarchy beyond the already-planned 2026 regulation overhaul.