F1 should fix its ongoing power units debate "once and for all", according to Red Bull chief Laurent Mekies.
Currently, the FIA and F1 are locked in talks with the five power unit manufacturers over changing a central pillar of the regulations for 2027 - namely the ratio of power output from the engines.
The new units were designed to be 50:50 between the internal combustion engine and beefed-up 350kw battery systems, having been around the 80:20 mark in 2025. Concerns over the rise of super-clipping and lift and coast to preserve energy, especially in qualifying, have prompted the rethink.
It was agreed in principle prior to the Miami GP for a new 60:40 split in favour of the ICE for 2027, but it is understood that Audi and Ferrari have concerns and are against the proposal, whilst Honda, Mercedes HPP, and Red Bull Powertrains are in favour.
This is crucial as any change requires a supermajority of the Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC), featuring all five PUMs and the FIA and F1. Four of the five PUMs are required to vote in favour, in addition to the FIA and F1, a number which would not be met at the present time with Audi and Ferrari's opposition.
However, Mekies feels that every party should put aside its partisanship and solve the debate permanently.
"I am optimistic that we will find the right solutions, I am optimistic that we'll find a majority of people agreeing on improving the races," Mekies told media, including RacingNews365.
"Because, when it comes to what matters for the sport, I think at some stage, we will all put to the side what we feel it may or may not do to our relative competitiveness to make a step in the right direction for the sport.
"Ultimately, I think we will get to that point.
"Let me put it this way, I think we should fix it once and for all, and not have this as a recurring topic.
"We have fantastic battles on the track, there are a lot of positive and great aspects to what we are seeing, and there is a part that we want to improve."
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