Carlos Sainz has called on the FIA to take a firm stance regarding the future evolution of Formula 1 engines, believing that teams should be forced to accept the planned changes for 2027 if they are deemed beneficial for the sport.
Currently, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, Formula One Management, and the five engine manufacturers involved are discussing a significant change to the engine regulations.
The goal is to shift the power distribution between the internal combustion engine and the electric system towards a ratio of 60% for the combustion engine and 40% for the electric part.
No unanimity
Today, the 2026 power units are based on a perfectly balanced distribution of 50% thermal and 50% electric, a fundamental principle during the drafting of the regulations. But after several months of criticism regarding energy management and the behavior of the new cars, a consensus in principle seems to have emerged in favor of a rebalancing from 2027.
The problem is that not all engine manufacturers agree. According to several reports, Audi and Ferrari are currently opposed to this change. Conversely, Honda, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, and Red Bull Powertrains are in favor — or at least open — to this modification.
However, for such a change to be approved by the Power Unit Advisory Committee, a supermajority is required. This means approval from four of the five engine manufacturers, as well as from the FIA and Formula One Management.
No alternative
In this context, the simultaneous opposition of Audi and Ferrari is currently enough to block any decision. But Sainz believes that the FIA should not hesitate to impose its vision if it considers this reform beneficial for the championship.
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“There is a Commission where the teams have their say, but it is precisely there that I have asked the FIA and Formula One Management to remain firm and continue to push in this direction,” explained the Williams driver.
The Spaniard believes that the sporting authorities must sometimes fully assume their role as regulator: “If the FIA believes this is the right solution, then I am convinced that the teams who complain or are not fully aligned will ultimately have no choice but to adapt.”
Better in 2027?
Sainz nevertheless acknowledges that consensus remains preferable: “Obviously, ideally everyone should agree. If it is for the good of the sport, for the good of the races and the spectacle, I am a strong supporter of a strong and assumed approach from the leaders.”
The Spanish driver also believes there is real potential to improve the current regulations: “I think there is significant potential to improve these engines and these regulations with what is proposed for next year. For my part, I have decided to stop complaining, because it is obvious that this regulation is not ideal today and probably never will be completely.”
Despite this, Sainz remains optimistic about the future: “On the other hand, I am very confident about next year and the changes it could bring.”
His remarks echo those of many drivers, including Max Verstappen, who have been advocating for several months to reduce the excessive importance of electrification and give more room to the internal combustion engine in the technical balance of Formula 1.