Mercedes can now unleash their hidden engine power after FIA change wet-weather rules for Miami GP

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With the FIA banning boost mode during wet conditions, Mercedes could show their true engine power during the Miami Grand Prix.

With the return of Formula 1 this weekend, there are some concerns about the weather conditions in Florida, as Miami is set to experience heavy rain this weekend.

There are even some concerns that the Miami Grand Prix could be cancelled due to thunderstorms, which would inadvertently extend the hiatus between races by another week.

Weather forecasts predict rain this weekend. Does the Miami GP need wet weather to be entertaining?

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As a result of these conditions, along with conversations with the drivers, the FIA decided to make some big changes to the wet weather racing conditions.

But this change could allow Mercedes to finally show off the true power of their engine, something many have speculated they have yet to do this year.

READ MORE: FIA director adamant Mercedes weren’t ‘trying to cheat’ after fuel compression ratio scandal

Mercedes could be biggest winners after FIA bans boost mode in wet conditions

Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA single-seater technical director, revealed that they made the decision to ban boost mode during wet conditions ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

The decision was made after several drivers expressed concerns over the safety of using the mode in these conditions.

“For safety, we have made adjustments regarding the cars’ performance in the wet. Even though true wet conditions have not yet occurred, some drivers expressed concerns about these scenarios. Especially regarding power delivery, which could be problematic, as well as having full boost under rain.”

If rain conditions are to come about during any of the competitive sessions this weekend, teams would only be able to rely on partial aerodynamic mode, which would allow the front wing to open in an effort to reduce drag and downforce.

While these conditions are in place to protect the drivers in treacherous conditions, the FIA may have inadvertently given Mercedes a licence to unleash the full potential of their engine.

READ MORE: Jolyon Palmer predicts Mercedes will be beaten for the first time in 2026 at the Miami Grand Prix

Mercedes yet to showcase full extent of 2026 engine power

Despite their dominance in the first three races this season, there is a lot of chatter about how powerful Mercedes’ 2026 engine truly is.

Some have accused Mercedes of sandbagging to try and game the system and not show the full extent of their engine’s power.

However, there are others who believe Mercedes haven’t had to use the full scope of their engine so far, outperforming other teams on the track despite this.

With the option of boost mode off the table, Mercedes could see the wet conditions during the Miami Grand Prix as the perfect window of opportunity to test the full limit of their engine.

Of course, their priority will be the safety of their drivers, and Mercedes won’t ask the drivers to push the engine if it could result in a crash or an incident.

But expect Mercedes to show off their advantage over the other teams should rainy conditions limit the field during this weekend.