Laurent Mekies has moved to calm speculation over Max Verstappen’s long‑term future in Formula 1, expressing confidence that consensus can be found on power‑unit regulation changes and arguing the sport should deliver a decisive, lasting solution. Speaking to GPblog and other media, he said manufacturers are capable of aligning behind adjustments aimed at improving racing.
“I’m optimistic we will find the right solutions. So I'm optimistic we'll find a majority of people agreeing on improving the race,” he said.
Pressed on why he remains hopeful despite divisions over the approval process among power‑unit makers, Mekies said the competitive interests of individual stakeholders should ultimately give way to what benefits Formula 1 as a whole. “Because when it comes to what matters for the sport, I think at some stage we will all put aside what we feel it may or may not do to our relative competitiveness to take a step in the right direction for the sport. I think ultimately we'll get to that point,” he added.
Mekies was also asked about the proposal to shift the power balance toward a 60/40 split between the internal combustion engine and electric power for the 2027 regulations, moving away from the current 50/50 framework. He downplayed the importance of the exact ratio and instead called for a durable fix. “I don't think the amount of investment is relevant compared to the size of the sport. So I think, let me put it this way, I think we should fix it once and for all and not have this as a recurring topic. I think we have, we see a fantastic battle on the track. There are a lot of positive and a lot of great aspects with what we are seeing, and I think there is a part that we want to improve and we should fight for,” he concluded.
After the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA said an agreement had been reached “in principle” with manufacturers to adjust the power balance from 50/50 to 60/40. The aim is to reduce reliance on battery deployment so drivers no longer need to back off mid‑lap to recharge the hybrid system.
While there is broad acceptance that a shift is needed, disagreement persists over timing. According to GPblog, only Mercedes and Red Bull appear to support bringing the change forward as early as next year. In Formula 1, support from four of the six manufacturers, including future entrant Cadillac, is required for approval, and that threshold is currently unlikely to be met.
GPblog has also reported uncertainty around Honda’s position, with the manufacturer yet to say whether it will back a 2027 adjustment or prefer to wait until 2028. That hesitation underscores the wider grid’s lack of clarity over when a revised power‑unit balance might arrive.
Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the current power‑unit framework and has been widely linked to the debate over potential changes. He has said it would be unworkable to continue in 2027 if no adjustments are made to the existing regulations, a stance that has amplified scrutiny of the rulemaking process.
All eyes now turn to ongoing talks between the FIA and manufacturers to determine whether a sufficient majority can be reached—and on what timeline. A firm decision on the power split and implementation date, along with Honda’s stance, will be pivotal for teams’ development plans and for clarity around Verstappen’s future.
Source: gpblog.com