Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Ferrari believe Mercedes and Red Bull are exploiting a loophole in Formula 1’s 2026 engine regulations.
On track, rivals say that the two power unit manufacturers will exceed the maximum fuel compression ratio of 16:1, generating additional horsepower. But when the car is switched off and checked by the FIA, it will pass the requisite checks.
The accusation is that this violates the spirit of the regulations, even if the teams are technically compliant. Crucially, the trick is said to be worth around three-tenths per lap.
Should F1 give designers more freedom now that there’s a cost cap?
On Thursday, F1 teams met to discuss the issue. According to The Race, they agreed on the best ways to measure fuel compression ratios in real-time, but didn’t set a timeline for such a system to be introduced.
Ferrari may not have the votes they need to stop Mercedes’ fuel compression trick
There will need to be a change to the technical regulations to allow for on-track measurement. This will require the approval of the F1 Commission.
However, over half the field use Mercedes or Red Bull power units. McLaren, Williams and Alpine have a deal in place with the German manufacturer, while Racing Bulls are naturally aligned with their sister team.
Are we entering another era of Mercedes engine domination?
Ferrari have formed an ‘alliance’ with Honda and Audi, but they are in the minority. On the face of it, the Mercedes and RBPT teams have little incentive to vote in favour of the rule change as it could curb their game-changing advantage.
Some of Mercedes’ rivals were pushing for a clampdown after the summer break, but this looks difficult to achieve. It’s unclear if they can come to a consensus for 2027, either.
Australian GP protests could force FIA to intervene in fuel compression controversy
Mercedes have received written approval from the FIA, but the sport’s governing body are coming under increasing pressure.
Audi will ‘never accept’ the FIA’s position should they decide not to intervene until the end of the season.
What’s more, there’s already talk of protests being lodged at the start of the season. Adrian Newey is ‘furious’ about the situation, so Aston Martin could be one of the teams to make an official complaint.
Mattia Binotto doubts a protest is viable because rivals don’t know exactly what they are protesting. If the controversy starts to damage the image of the championship, with multiple teams questioning the legitimacy of the results, the FIA may have to change their laissez-faire stance.
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