Recent rumours, while not yet confirmed, all seem to be pointing in the same direction: Cadillac is reportedly in favour of the proposed Formula 1 power unit changes for 2027. The FIA’s solution, first presented on May 8, appears to be gathering increasing support as the weeks go by.
At the moment, Ferrari and Audi are believed to be the only two teams opposed to the proposal, while Honda remains undecided but is thought to be leaning towards supporting the change.
The agreement being discussed between Formula 1, the FIA and the manufacturers would see the current 50/50 balance between combustion and electric power replaced by a 60/40 split in favour of the internal combustion engine. Although Cadillac will not introduce its own power unit until 2028, the American team’s vote is still considered relevant because it is preparing to become a full power unit manufacturer in the near future.
For Ferrari, Cadillac’s apparent support for the proposal could prove particularly damaging. The American team currently relies on Ferrari power units and gearboxes, yet its reported backing of the FIA plan removes what could have been an important ally for the Scuderia in the ongoing debate.
Cadillac’s position increases pressure on Ferrari
Tensions are rising in Maranello. The Ferrari SF-26 has demonstrated strong aerodynamic and chassis performance throughout the season, but the shortcomings of the Italian power unit have become increasingly evident.
That is precisely why the ADUO concessions could become crucial for the team led by Fred Vasseur.
During or before the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA is expected to publish the first ADUO assessment tables based on performance measurements collected during the opening races of the season. If Ferrari’s power unit falls within 4% of the benchmark engine, which is widely expected to be Mercedes, the manufacturer could gain access to two additional internal combustion engine upgrades this season and two more in 2027.
This explains why Cadillac’s apparent support for the 60/40 proposal could be viewed as a significant setback for Ferrari. The Italian manufacturer would prefer to delay the regulation change in order to fully exploit the advantages offered by the ADUO system.
Although Cadillac currently competes as a customer team, it will become a power unit manufacturer from 2028 and therefore remains involved in discussions regarding future engine regulations. Ferrari consequently loses what could have been a useful source of support in its efforts to postpone the FIA’s proposed changes. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but paddock rumours continue to grow louder. Mercedes and Red Bull are understood to be strongly pushing for the change, and with each passing day the possibility of introducing the 60/40 formula as early as next season appears increasingly realistic.
Ironically, a team currently occupying the back of the grid could end up playing a decisive role in a decision that may have major consequences for the future of its current engine and gearbox supplier: Ferrari.
Different reasons behind Audi and Ferrari’s opposition
Ferrari is not alone in wanting to delay the proposed changes. Audi is also firmly opposed to implementing the FIA’s plan within such a short timeframe.
However, Audi’s concerns are somewhat different. The primary issue for the German manufacturer is cost.
The proposed increase in fuel flow would require all teams to redesign key aspects of their cars, including the chassis and fuel tank packaging. Such changes would inevitably result in additional spending worth several million euros.
Those costs are particularly significant for Audi, especially after investing heavily to enter Formula 1 under the all-new 2026 technical regulations. The manufacturer has already committed enormous resources to developing its first Formula 1 power unit, making any major regulatory revision particularly unwelcome.
The 50/50 split between combustion and electric power was also one of the key reasons Audi chose to enter Formula 1 in the first place. It is therefore unsurprising that the team would oppose such a substantial change after only one season under the new regulations.
One thing appears increasingly clear: sooner or later, some form of change is likely to happen. The new generation of Formula 1 cars has not delivered the level of performance many had hoped for, and the FIA appears fully aware of the situation.
What remains controversial is the prospect of partially reversing a regulatory direction that many critics believed was flawed from the beginning. If Cadillac ultimately backs the proposal, Ferrari could find itself increasingly isolated, potentially left without the support it was hoping for in one of the most important technical debates shaping Formula 1’s future.
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