Cadillac to back Ferrari's position in F1 2027 power unit debate

Last month, the FIA and engine manufacturers reached an agreement in principle to shift the power distribution from the current 50/50 standard to 60/40, starting in the 2027 season. This change is intended to promote racing, as Formula 1 drivers will hopefully have to lift off the throttle less often to recharge the battery during a lap, as emphasis is switched away from battery technology and back to engine power.

However, Audi and Ferrari, much to the surprise of several parties involved, backtracked. These manufacturers opted to implement the 60/40 power split only in the 2028 season, allowing an extra year to prepare for the changes. The positions of Honda and Cadillac (who will soon supply engines to F1 and therefore can vote) were unclear.

This website reported on Monday that Honda was not opposed to adjusting the power distribution to 60 percent for the internal combustion engine and 40 percent for the battery for the upcoming season. Along with the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM), that makes three so-called OEMs in favor of a swift change, something Max Verstappen, among others, has been eager for.

However, the adjustment for the 2027 season will only happen if there is a so-called supermajority. This means that five of the six manufacturers, the FIA, and FOM must agree. From the group of Audi, Ferrari, and Cadillac, two more are still needed to push the change through for the upcoming season.

Audi is currently steadfast and continues to opt for 2028, GPblog understands. Ultimately, everything will depend on Ferrari, since Cadillac, as a current customer of the Scuderia and will follow their vote. To be clear: the Italians are not against an adjustment (nor is Audi), but they prefer to postpone it beyond the upcoming season.

On the other hand, this is still Formula 1. This website understands that there have been talks in recent weeks, with all sorts of proposals discussed. This website has been told that a compromise could also be in sight that could satisfy enough manufacturers to achieve a super majority.