Stella: The engine change won't be possible until 2028 at the earliest.

      McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes that Formula 1 needs to change the engine design to make the most efficient use of the existing power unit. Stella suggests increasing fuel consumption and using more powerful batteries, but for the changes to take effect in 2028, a decision must be made before the summer break in August 2026.

      Andrea Stella: "Personally, I believe that changes to the power unit design are necessary for the greater good of Formula 1. If we look at realistic solutions, we can address the fuel consumption issue to increase the power of the internal combustion engine.

      I also think we need to change our approach to energy recovery, as we currently spend much more time using electrical power than accumulating it. This balance can be shifted by increasing the amount of energy we are able to recover. Right now, we are talking about 350 kW, but does it make sense to raise that figure to 400 kW? To 450 kW? It seems to me that this will simply require larger batteries.

      If we consider these requirements from a technical perspective and look at the situation through the eyes of power unit manufacturers, I see that implementing all these changes by 2027 will be extremely difficult. Increasing the size of the batteries and the need to cope with higher fuel consumption usually require much more development time than is left before the start of the 2027 season.

      I would say that such discussions should ideally be concluded before the summer break to have time to implement changes by 2028. I really hope that will be the case.

      Formula 1 has already done a good job of constantly trying to use the potential of the power unit more efficiently within the current capabilities. But, in my opinion, more can be squeezed out of the current regulations, but this will require some technical refinements."