– Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies is optimistic that the FIA will make the necessary adjustments to the Formula 1 power units so that Max Verstappen can also compete in the top class in the 2027 season.
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The four-time world champion is one of the biggest critics of the current Formula 1 regulations, which since this season provide for an almost 50:50 split between combustion and electric drive.
The FIA is currently trying to implement a 60:40 split for 2027, which Verstappen supports. However, Audi, Ferrari, and Honda are said to have voted against it, hoping to delay implementation until 2028.
This endangers the adjustment of the rules, as a supermajority is required among the manufacturers. At the same time, Verstappen has renewed his retirement threats in view of his ongoing GT3 activities.
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However, Mekies assumes that the engine manufacturers will ultimately agree in the interest of the sport, so Verstappen is likely to fulfill his entire contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028.
“I am optimistic that we will find the right solutions,” emphasizes the Frenchman and explains: “I am confident that we will find a majority that agrees to an improvement of the racing.”
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Mekies: Sport should come before personal interests
“Because when it comes to what is important for the sport, I believe that at some point we will all put aside what impact it might have on our own competitiveness to take a step in the right direction for the sport.”
“I think ultimately we will reach that point,” says Mekies. The FIA plans to implement the change by increasing fuel flow and tank capacity as well as reducing energy deployment. However, this would force the teams to make fundamental changes to the chassis.
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This ultimately involves financial hurdles as well, and the world federation could make compromises, such as gradual hardware adjustments or shortening race distances on particularly energy-intensive tracks.
“I don’t think the level of investment is relevant in relation to the size of the sport,” Mekies says. “In other words: We should solve this once and for all and not have to keep discussing it over and over again,” he adds.
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“We see a fantastic fight on the track. There are many positive aspects and much that is great about what we are currently experiencing. I think there is one area we want to improve – and we should do that once and for all.”
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