FIA Approves 2027 Changes as Cadillac Backs Ferrari on Power Unit Debate

The FIA has confirmed a series of sporting regulation changes for 2027, including expanded winter testing opportunities ahead of the next technical reset. Meanwhile, Cadillac is poised to back Ferrari's position on delaying the planned shift to a 60-40 combustion-electric power split, creating a potential roadblock for the proposal supported by Mercedes, Red Bull-Ford, and Honda.

Why it matters:

The 2027 regulations will fundamentally reshape Formula 1, and how teams prepare for them—and what engine formula they ultimately adopt—will define the competitive landscape for years. With Cadillac joining as a future Ferrari customer team, its voting alignment adds weight to Ferrari's stance, which favors a one-year delay to 2028 for the power split change.

The details:

• Testing changes: The FIA's World Motor Sport Council approved additional pre-season running time for teams before 2027, recognizing the scale of the regulation shift requires more track time than recent cost-capped seasons have allowed.
• Power split debate: The original 50-50 combustion-electric balance was agreed to be shifted to 60-40 from 2027 to reduce energy management and promote closer racing. However, Ferrari and Audi have raised concerns, preferring to delay implementation until 2028 for more preparation time.
• Cadillac's position: As Ferrari's future customer team (from 2026), Cadillac is expected to follow the Scuderia's vote. If Ferrari rejects the change, Cadillac likely opposes; if Ferrari backs it, Cadillac follows suit.
• Key stakeholders: Mercedes, Red Bull-Ford, and Honda reportedly support the 2027 change, while Audi and Ferrari want a delay. Cadillac's alignment could tip the balance if a formal vote is held.

The big picture:

The 2027 regulations are part of a broader effort to improve F1 racing by reducing reliance on complex energy management. However, the debate highlights tension between manufacturers who want swift action and those who need more development time. With Cadillac entering the sport as a new entrant, its alignment with Ferrari could signal a united front among teams wary of rushed changes.

What's next:

A formal vote on the power split timeline may occur in the coming weeks. If Ferrari and Audi hold firm, the shift could be delayed to 2028, giving all manufacturers an extra year to adapt. Meanwhile, teams will begin planning their 2027 testing programs under the newly approved framework.