Fred Vasseur calls the FIA ’embarrassing’ over Mercedes fuel compression ratio dispute

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Fred Vasseur has called the uncertainty over the 2026 F1 engine rules ’embarrassing’, with the start of the season only two weeks away.

Following an F1 Commission meeting on Wednesday, the FIA announced that the teams would vote on a proposal to introduce stricter tests on fuel compression ratios. Mercedes have been accused of exceeding the current limit of 16:1.

It’s said that engineers at Brixworth found a loophole in the rules that allowed them to generate more horsepower, but it can’t be detected through the current tests.

Are Mercedes’ rivals hiding behind 2026 ‘excuses’?

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Under the proposed rule change, fuel compression ratios would be measured when the engine is hot, rather than solely at room temperature. Crucially, though, the new procedure wouldn’t come in until the start of August, giving Mercedes time to make adjustments.

Fred Vasseur says lack of clarity over F1 engine rules is ’embarrassing’

Speaking to French magazine AutoHebdo in an edition that was published on Monday, Ferrari team principal Vasseur appeared to criticise the FIA over their handling of the issue.

It’s believed that Mercedes received assurances that their power unit was compliant with the rules before word spread and a scandal erupted.

Red Bull reportedly leaked Mercedes’ trick to rival teams, and the four other engine manufacturers subsequently formed an alliance to put pressure on the sport’s governing body.

• READ MORE: FIA now set to change 2026 F1 engine tests mid-season after Ferrari raised Mercedes complaints

While Wednesday’s meeting was clearly a step towards a resolution, there still isn’t clarity on the issue with only 15 days remaining before practice in Melbourne. Ferrari apparently gave the FIA a ‘technical solution’ months ago.

“There are two weeks to go until the start of the world championship, and we still have to ask for clarification on the regulations,” Vasseur said. “It’s quite embarrassing.

“A rapid clarification is needed. Coming to the first race with different interpretations of the regulations would lead to significant differences in performance. And that’s not good for the sport.”

“I think it’s much simpler to lower the compression ratio than to force others to increase it. Technically, solutions exist, yet we’ve been talking about them for months, and two weeks before the first GP, we’re still forced to ask for clarification.”

The FIA don’t want Mercedes to dominate F1 with their controversial engine

There’s a risk that Ferrari and co. will be at a horsepower disadvantage for the first 13 races of the season. Attempting to copy Mercedes in the meantime makes little sense long-term, particularly given the expense.

As reported by Auto Motor und Sport, F1 bosses are ‘determined’ to stop Mercedes dominating with their controversial power unit, but it would be unfair to expect the German manufacturer to make the necessary changes before Australia.

From the moment the FIA told Mercedes that their engine would be legal, the current scenario was perhaps inevitable.

Fortunately, a protest in Melbourne now seems unlikely, even if neither side will be totally satisfied with the looming compromise.