A method and an arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle are suggested wherein a maximum permissible torque is pregiven and, when this maximum permissible torque is exceeded, the torque of the drive unit is reduced. The maximum permissible torque is formed at least in dependence upon the position of the operator-controlled element. The maximum permissible torque is dependent upon the desired torque of at least one external function when this desired torque is greater than the permissible torque dependent upon the position of the operator-controlled element.