Honda joins Mercedes and Red Bull Ford: engine deal one step closer

A few weeks ago, the FIA and the manufacturers agreed in principle that the power split would shift from the current 50/50 to 60/40 starting in the 2027 season. This is intended to improve racing, as Formula 1 drivers would (hopefully) need to lift less during a lap to recharge the battery. Critics of the current power units, such as Verstappen, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, and Williams driver Carlos Sainz, were pleased with this development.

During the race weekend in Canada, however, it emerged that no definitive deal had been reached after all, as Ferrari and Audi suddenly wanted to delay the adjustment until 2028 for various reasons. Mercedes and Red Bull Ford were in favor of the change, while it remained unclear which side Cadillac (which will supply its own power units in Formula 1 within a few years) and Honda would choose.

In Montreal, Shintaro Orihara, Honda's Trackside General Manager, was asked about their position. The Japanese executive, however, skirted the issue a bit. “We are listening to the FIA decision, so we are waiting,” he said initially. After Orihara was reminded that this is a vote in which Honda participates, he added: “A major overhaul. It's difficult to say.”

In the meantime, GPblog can confirm that Honda is not opposed to the adjustment and can therefore be added to the list alongside Mercedes and Red Bull Ford. Discussions are currently underway with the other manufacturers about the details of implementing the change for 2027 instead of 2028, this site understands.

To definitively push the adjustment through as early as the 2027 season, a supermajority is required. That means five of the six manufacturers (including Cadillac) must give their approval together with the FIA and Formula One Management. So, to get the adjustment across the line, two more manufacturers need to give a “go.” If one of the remaining three OEMs would still vote against, there would be a change.