Next season, the current regulations could undergo a significant change, but everything will depend on the super majority.
In recent weeks, the Federation had unofficially announced that it had reached an agreement for a different split between internal combustion and electric motors (60/40) starting with the next Formula 1 season. This decision was never confirmed and has caused significant problems in the Montreal paddock, starting with the management costs of fuel tanks and chassis, as well as the rather tight timeline.
The current regulatory cycle has shown that the Federation has not worked very well in this regard, and this is why, to date, the FIA is trying to implement significant changes for the next four seasons. The new distribution is attractive to two engine manufacturers, Red Bull and Mercedes. Currently, only these two teams would agree to a further regulation change, as they would be able to create an engine from scratch, effectively depriving their rivals of the ADUO.
On the other side of the fence, however, is Ferrari, with the Maranello-based team appearing adamant against it. The Prancing Horse’s staunch opposition stems not from the design of the new distribution (which Ferrari shares), but rather from the timing, given that most teams are already working on next season’s engine, homologating it for the current regulations. The liberalization of the new PUs would also provide a significant boost to Mercedes, which, in addition to dominating this season, would have the opportunity to create an engine from scratch, potentially dashing the hopes of its rivals.
At this point, therefore, the balance is tipped in favor of stability; in the pack, Honda and Audi could turn the tables. For the new distribution to pass, a so-called “super majority” is needed, which is achieved with four out of six votes. The Federation, in this regard, is attempting to achieve an absolute majority, setting aside unanimity, which is useless for the engine issue.
In recent weeks, Red Bull and Mercedes have been trying to convince Audi, whose position seems less adamant than Ferrari’s. The German team, in fact, believes the additional tens of millions required for next year’s redesign is excessive.
In this case, as reported by The Race, a series of mechanisms could be implemented to stay within the budget cap or to evaluate in detail the changes required for the PU, so as not to have to redesign it from scratch. . If Audi is convinced, then Honda could also give in, leaving Ferrari with a political defeat.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Audi F1 Team
