(Motorsport-Total.com) – The future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 might suddenly depend not only on Red Bull or his own career plans – but on a fierce power struggle behind the scenes between the FIA, Ferrari, Audi, and the engine manufacturers.
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Actually, the direction seemed clear recently. Between the Miami and Canada Grand Prix, the FIA announced a so-called “principle agreement” to adjust the controversial engine regulations from 2027 onwards. The goal was to shift the balance between combustion engine and electric power more in favor of the classic combustion engine again.
Specifically, the combustion engine’s power was to increase by 50 kilowatts, while the share of electric energy would be reduced accordingly. The power ratio would thus shift from almost 50:50 to approximately 60:40.
For Verstappen, this would have been a decisive step. The Dutchman had sharply criticized the engine regulations several times in recent months and even called the new technical formula “anti-racing”: too much lift-and-coast, too strong battery management, and races that resemble energy saving more than full throttle.
Accordingly, Verstappen initially reacted positively to the FIA plans. “This definitely goes in a very positive direction,” the world champion said on Thursday in Montreal. “This is actually the minimum of what I had hoped for.”
Verstappen indirectly questions future
Particularly explosive: Verstappen openly hinted that the decision on the engine regulations could have a direct impact on his own future. “It’s not about whether I have a good car or not,” he explains. “It’s about the product.”
And exactly this “Formula 1 product” must improve. “If these changes come, the fun will automatically increase again,” says Verstappen. But this plan now threatens to fail.
Because while Mercedes and Red Bull-Ford already support the changes from 2027, Ferrari, Audi, and apparently also Honda oppose a quick implementation. Instead, they prefer a postponement to 2028. The reason is an explosive mix of costs, political influence, and possible competitive advantage.
Because a stronger combustion engine power would not only require changes to the power units themselves but also adjustments to the chassis, cooling, and fuel management. Especially for new manufacturers like Audi, this would mean additional millions in investments. Internally, a sum of around ten million dollars in additional development costs is already circulating.
Ferrari and Audi slow down the FIA
Above all, Audi is said to be massively resisting an introduction from 2027. The factory entry is based on the current rules – and additional investments are apparently difficult to justify internally. Although Audi supports the general direction of the FIA, it rejects the tight schedule.
But Ferrari apparently also pursues its own interests. At the center is the so-called ADUO system of the FIA – a special catch-up mechanism for engine manufacturers with performance deficits. Teams with weaker power units receive additional development time and budget scope.
Here, Ferrari apparently fears disadvantages compared to Mercedes. The Scuderia has publicly emphasized for weeks how large the gap to Mercedes currently is. Charles Leclerc even went so far in Canada to claim that even the Red Bull engine has more power than Ferrari.
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Within the FIA, this public lobbying is apparently increasingly causing frustration. Because the ADUO regulations are based on clear performance data – not on political statements in the media.
At the same time, Honda is also in a dilemma. Publicly, the Japanese manufacturer basically supports the planned direction of the FIA, but internally Honda would also urgently need additional development freedoms.
FIA desperately fights for compromise
During the Canada weekend, FIA Formula sport chief Nikolas Tombazis apparently tried intensively to mediate between the camps. But so far without a final breakthrough. Because without the necessary majority, the changes cannot be implemented.
And exactly this could have far-reaching consequences – also for Verstappen. “If everything stays like this, next year will be very long,” warned the Dutchman after qualifying in Montreal. “Mentally, that is absolutely not feasible for me.”
A statement from the world champion that fuels speculation about his long-term future again. Verstappen therefore demands tougher intervention from the FIA. “Some teams that currently might have an advantage are deliberately making it difficult,” he says. “But if the FIA is strong enough, then it simply has to push it through.”
The problem: The FIA can only enforce rule changes without a majority if safety aspects are affected. For purely sporting or technical questions, political power games are enough to block projects.
Formula 1 faces a fundamental decision
Increasingly, team principals are warning that Formula 1 could lose sight of the big picture. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella spoke unusually clearly in Montreal about the danger that manufacturers’ self-interests could harm the sport in the long term.
“We are slowly getting used to this engine formula,” says Stella. “But in my opinion, changes to the hardware are needed.” Especially the FIA proposals to adjust energy recovery, battery usage, and combustion engine power are considered essential by Stella.
“This package would make Formula 1 better,” he explains. “And this general interest should be more important than individual advantages of individual manufacturers.”
Because in the end, it is about much more than just technical details. “If we don’t keep the sport attractive and damage the value of Formula 1, everyone loses in the end,” warns Stella.
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