McLaren urges caution as F1 drivers push FIA for 60:40 engine ratio change

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has urged the FIA to continue discussions with power unit manufacturers over the proposed 60:40 engine-to-battery split, rather than yielding solely to demands from senior drivers. Max Verstappen and GPDA director Carlos Sainz have pushed the governing body to "stay strong" and enforce the change, citing safety and driving excitement. However, with Audi and Ferrari opposed, Stella insists the issue goes beyond safety.

Why it matters:

The current 50:50 power ratio has led to excessive lift-and-coast and super-clipping, reducing on-track action. A shift to 60:40 in favor of the internal combustion engine could restore raw performance and driver feel. But the decision affects engine development costs and the competitive balance for 2027, making manufacturer buy-in critical.

The details:

• The change was agreed in principle before Miami but implementation for 2027 is now contested. Drivers see it as a safety improvement; Stella acknowledges safety advantages but notes performance and excitement are also factors.
• Manufacturer divide: Audi and Ferrari are against the change, while McLaren (powered by Mercedes HPP, which supports the switch) benefits from the shift but urges caution.
• Stella’s stance: He told media, including RacingNews365, that “some aspects… have to do with the performance, with the racing and the driving of the cars.” He declined to say whether the safety case alone justifies the change, calling for “a wider conversation” involving F1, the FIA, and all power unit suppliers.

What's next:

The FIA must mediate between driver pressure and manufacturer concerns. With 2026 regulations already set, any change for 2027 requires careful negotiation to avoid disrupting the new engine era. Stella’s call for continued dialogue suggests a compromise may still be possible.