Cadillac Backs Ferrari in 2027 Engine Vote as Honda Joins Mercedes-Red Bull Coalition

Cadillac is set to side with Ferrari if a vote is held soon on adjusting the engine power distribution for the 2027 season. If Ferrari agrees to the plan supported by Mercedes, Red Bull Ford, and Honda, Cadillac will follow. If Ferrari says no, the American manufacturer will do the same, GPblog understands.

Why it matters:

The proposed shift from a 50/50 to 60/40 split between the internal combustion engine and battery aims to improve racing by reducing the need for drivers to lift off the throttle to recharge. Max Verstappen and others have pushed for this change, but the delay could affect competitiveness and on-track action.

The details:

• Cadillac's position: As a current Ferrari customer, Cadillac will align its vote with the Scuderia.
• Honda's move: Honda has joined Mercedes and Red Bull Ford in favoring an earlier implementation (2027), bringing the pro-change camp to three manufacturers.
• Audi's stance: Audi is firm on delaying the change to 2028, leaving Ferrari as the decisive swing vote.
• Supermajority requirement: Five of the six manufacturers, plus the FIA and FOM, must agree. Currently, three manufacturers (Mercedes, Red Bull Ford, Honda) plus FIA and FOM are in favor, but two more are needed. Ferrari and Cadillac together could provide that.
• Compromise talks: Sources indicate feverish negotiations in recent weeks, with a compromise in sight that could satisfy enough manufacturers to achieve a supermajority. Ferrari is not against the adjustment but prefers a later date.

What's next:

The vote's outcome depends entirely on Ferrari. If they agree to 2027, Cadillac will follow, likely securing the supermajority. If they hold firm for 2028, the change will be postponed. With a compromise reportedly on the table, a resolution could be near, but the grid remains divided.