Mattia Binotto just told Ferrari why they are already doomed in 2026 battle with Mercedes

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F1 title favourites Mercedes have apparently found a loophole in the 2026 engine regulations that could give them a significant horsepower advantage.

Under the rules, the maximum fuel compression ratio is 16:1, but Mercedes are able to run their car closer to 18:1 on track. When the car is stationary, it will still comply with FIA checks.

While rival engine manufacturers Ferrari, Audi and Honda seem certain about what’s happening, they’re currently unable to prove it.

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There’s talk that Mercedes’ trick could be worth three to four-tenths per lap, which would shape the pecking order for the season. Customer teams McLaren, Williams and Alpine also stand to benefit.

Ferrari told they can’t protest Mercedes engine trick at Australian GP

It has been reported that Ferrari could protest the results of the Australian Grand Prix, the first round of the season. They feel Mercedes are breaking the spirit of the rules.

However, speaking to The Race, Audi boss Mattia Binotto questioned whether this approach is viable, because they can’t pinpoint exactly which feature of the car is illegal.

“You can protest if you know what you’re protesting,” Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, said.

F1 teams will meet to discuss the issue on Thursday, but Binotto says this won’t lead to a ban. Instead, Audi are pushing for the introduction of a real-time measuring device, but this would take time.

“I don’t think there will be clarity or compromise,” he said. “The meeting, which has been set for the 22nd of January, is more to continue to discuss how can we improve or develop a methodology for the future to measure the compression ratios in operating conditions.

“Today we are doing it in cool conditions with the engine disassembled – so you may wait until the end of the season to know if you are compliant. It’s simply we are trying, all together, to really develop a methodology where we can measure it in real time while the car is running.

“My hope in that meeting is not clarity on the regulation itself, but more to define a methodology for the future.”

Ferrari could be a midfield team at the Australian GP

The simplest solution would be to replicate Mercedes’ technology. It’s believed that Red Bull Powertrains, who hired a large number of engineers from Brixworth, have already done so to an extent.

Mercedes’ advantage could be set in stone for months, though, because this wasn’t the work of a moment.

One journalist has suggested that Ferrari may be fighting for the top 10 in Melbourne, with the four Mercedes-powered teams potentially locking out the top eight.

The picture may not be quite that bleak, but it’s clear that there’s serious concern. Ferrari will offer their perspective when they launch their 2026 car on Friday.

Ultimately, if there’s no way to close the Mercedes’ loophole, and it’s as powerful as predicted, then the Scuderia may already be doomed for the season ahead.