Audi demands F1 regulation 'stability' in Max Verstappen blow

Audi has demanded Formula 1 regulation "stability" for next season amid ongoing discussions over a move to a 60/40 power unit split, dealing a blow to Max Verstappen's hopes.

The German outfit is one of several teams uneasy about changing the power unit regulations to that extent for next season, with some preferring any change to be delayed until 2028.

While an agreement in principle has been reached among the teams that the regulations should move away from a 50/50 split next season, not all manufacturers share the same view on the proposed changes.

It is believed that Ferrari and Audi have concerns over a move to a 60/40 split from next season, as does Ferrari customer outfit Cadillac.

For a change to the power unit regulations from next season, four of the five manufacturers must agree. If Audi and Ferrari remain opposed, the chances of a switch appear slim.

Asked for Audi's stance on a potential switch to a 60/40 power unit split next year, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner told select media including RacingNews365: "Our perspective really is to have stability there. 

"That's our clear view with entering new, this is one reason, and the other reason is that we have to be cost-efficient.

"That's the most important aspect from our side, to have the cost cap in mind and to see.

"Our innovation path is maybe a little steeper because we started lower and so on that path we are happy with stability."

If Audi remains in favour of stability, it would hurt Verstappen's hopes of a move to a 60/40 split next season, something he has outlined as the bare minimum that must happen for him to remain in F1.

While the Hinwil-based outfit has a clear stance on the matter, Dollner is confident that a "good solution" will be found.

"The process is running, and it's in good hands," he said. "We are part of that process together with the other engine manufacturers, and so I think in '27 there will be a good solution in place."