McLaren urge caution after F1 drivers issue FIA demand

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has urged the FIA to continue talks with power unit manufacturers over the 60:40 engine ratio and not bow to driver pressure.

Senior drivers such as Max Verstappen and GPDA director Carlos Sainz have urged F1's governing body, responsible for the technical regulations, to "stay strong" and force through the change in power ratio between the internal combustion engine and the batteries.

Currently, it is 50:50, but prior to Miami, it was agreed in principle to change this central pillar to 60:04 in favour of the ICE, to relieve the importance of the batteries as super-clipping and lift and coast became prevalent.

However, it is understood that Audi and Ferrari are against the change for 2027, but McLaren, powered by an in-favour of the change Mercedes HPP, boss Stella feels the FIA should be careful not to force through the change for 2027 in the name of safety.

"I think there are some safety advantages, like the implications do touch the safety element of evolving towards the 60:40 solution for the power unit," Stella told media, including RacingNews365.

"However, some of the aspects that want to be cured also have to do with the performance, with the racing and the driving of the cars, and making sure that drivers feel the excitement of driving the cars.

"So there are implications that go beyond safety, and ultimately, this is why the mediation of F1 and the FIA will be crucial, as will the conversation with the power unit manufacturers. 

"I'm not in a position to say whether there is a case; this is just enforced through safety. I think this is part of a wider conversation, and it would not be correct for me to say: 'Yes, it is the case,' because it may not be accurate."