FIA engine boss made a guarantee to Toto Wolff before Mercedes fuel scandal erupted

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F1’s fuel compression ratio dispute continues as the teams arrive in Bahrain for the second pre-season test. Mercedes are accused of breaking the rules with their 2026 engine.

The maximum fuel compression ratio for this year is 16:1, but Mercedes have found a loophole in the rules. As long as they pass the FIA’s tests when the engine is cool, they can exceed that ratio out on track.

Red Bull caught wind of Mercedes’ trick last year and, when they realised they couldn’t replicate it to the same effect, they leaked it to the other teams.

Are Mercedes’ rivals hiding behind 2026 ‘excuses’?

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If Red Bull are willing to join with the other three manufacturers, the FIA could be pressured into stricter, more extensive testing. Mercedes’ method is believed to be worth around three-tenths of a second per lap.

FIA engine chief personally assured Mercedes that their 2026 F1 engine was legal

It has already been reported that Mercedes had corresponded with the FIA about the grey area when building their engine.

But now a report from Motorsport Italy reveals a new detail: the FIA’s head of powertrain, Vincent Pereme, personally ‘approved the Mercedes solution’.

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Toto Wolff sounded furious about the issue when he spoke after the Mercedes launch last week. The team principal was adamant that the W17 is legal, and Pereme’s message may explain why.

There have been suggestions that Mercedes could take formal action if the FIA close the loophole. With the start of the new season less than a month away, it’s unclear how easy it would be for the team at Brixworth to modify their engine.

Do Mercedes’ rivals have the votes to stop their engine trick?

Naturally, the FIA want to avoid a series of protests at the start of the season. That would create bad publicity for the championship at a particularly sensitive moment.

The required rule change will have to be passed by the F1 Commission. In addition to the 11 teams, the Commission also features the FIA and Formula One Management.

It’s likely that the engine customers will fall into line with their suppliers. That means Mercedes can count on the backing of McLaren, Williams and Alpine.

However, if Red Bull and Racing Bulls vote against them, it could turn the tide, with seven out of 11 teams in favour of a clampdown.