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Mercedes topped the timesheets at the end of the first three-day test at Bahrain amid protests against their engine.
Heading into the first test at the Bahrain International Circuit, there had been complaints lodged against Mercedes‘ latest power unit for the 2026 season.
Rival constructors believe that Mercedes have found a loophole in the latest regulations and are able to run their fuel compression ratio at 18:1 compared to the set 16:1 compression ratio limit.
It has been suggested that the Brackley-based team are able to run at a higher compression ratio in hot conditions, whereas the FIA only tests engines at room temperature.
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Bernie Ecclestone believes Mercedes should ‘hold back’
After questions were asked by Ferrari, Audi, Honda and Red Bull, the FIA tested the Mercedes engine again in ‘secret checks’.
However, at the end of the first three-day Bahrain Formula 1 Test, Mercedes were first and second on the timesheets, with Kimi Antonelli in first and George Russell in second.
This has led former Formula 1 executive, Bernie Ecclestone, to question why Mercedes would push during the Bahrain Test when protests are already being made against their power unit.
When speaking to Blick, Ecclestone said, “If your rivals are already protesting against you and your engine, perhaps you should hold back a little!”
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Ferrari now rule out a formal protest against Mercedes’ 2026 engine
Even though they were one of the first constructors to inform the FIA about Mercedes’ potential loophole, Ferrari will not launch a formal protest to the FIA.
It was the Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur, who revealed that the Scuderia will not put in a formal protest, and will accept whatever the FIA decide next Wednesday.
However, Ferrari’s leadership have instructed their engine division to design a part that will be able to test each team’s engine whilst they are still at operating temperatures, rather than room temperature.
There were positives in the Ferrari camp at the Bahrain Test, as their own race simulation data showed that Lewis Hamilton had the fastest race pace.
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