The F1 paddock is currently navigating two massive political earthquakes. While the grid has finally broken the boardroom deadlock over the highly debated 2027 engine regulations, the head of the sport’s governing body is quietly making an unprecedented move to consolidate his power.
Here is the latest breakdown of the off-track drama reshaping the future of Formula 1.
The End of FIA Term Limits via Ben Sulayem
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is making a massive play for long-term control over the FIA. According to a new report from BBC.com, Ben Sulayem has officially proposed the abolishment of term limits for FIA Presidents. This controversial move comes shortly after he won the last election completely unopposed, primarily because current election rules prevented anyone else from standing against him.
To add further context, this plan to alter the FIA’s statutes will face a formal vote at the FIA General Assembly next month. When BBC Sport pressed the governing body for an explanation regarding the sudden desire to abolish term limits, an FIA spokesperson could not provide a specific, direct answer. Instead, the spokesperson bizarrely pointed to the NFL in the United States, arguing that commissioner Roger Goodell has held his position since 2006 and has “transformed the sport into a global brand”.
Alongside removing term limits, Ben Sulayem’s proposal also introduces significantly stricter hurdles for any future challengers.
- Prospective candidates will now be required to “demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member or an FIA body”.
- The deadline for challengers to submit their list of supporting vice-presidents will more than double, jumping from 49 days to 100 days before the election date.
The 60/40 Engine Supermajority
While the FIA restructures its leadership rules, the Formula 1 grid has finally reached a massive consensus regarding the cars. The push to change the 2027 power unit output to a 60/40 split in favor of the internal combustion engine now officially has enough votes to pass.
Just days ago, a fierce manufacturer blockade threatened to kill the proposal. Audi, Ferrari, and Cadillac originally formed a united front to block the engine overhaul. However, the political landscape has drastically shifted over the last 48 hours.
- Both Honda and Cadillac have flipped their stances and now lean toward a “YES” vote for the new 60/40 regulations.
- This alignment with Red Bull and Mercedes means the grid has officially achieved a supermajority.
- Audi and Ferrari, who heavily opposed abandoning the 50/50 electrical split, are now left completely alone in their resistance.
Although the exact final terms of the agreement remain unknown, everything firmly points to the fact that the 60/40 split will be implemented in 2027. This represents a massive victory for drivers like Max Verstappen, who previously threatened to quit the sport entirely if the heavy, battery-dependent 2026 engine regulations were not fixed. With the supermajority secured, the combustion engine is officially reclaiming its dominance on the grid.