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F1 veteran Ralf Bach has revealed that Mercedes insiders are labelling Toto Wolff’s downplaying of the Silver Arrows’ 2026 power advantage a ‘complete joke’, as scepticism grows over the true performance gap of the new engines
The saga regarding the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 F1 engine has dominated headlines in recent weeks, after it emerged that Ferrari were ‘lobbying’ the FIA to take action against them for utilising an alleged loophole in the new regulations.
The discrepancy lies in the compression ratio that Mercedes’ new power unit achieves in racing conditions. At ambient temperatures, it fulfils the criteria of being within the 16:1 limit outlined in the regulations.
However, when the engine is switched on and temperatures begin to rise, the ratio is understood to increase up to around 18:1.
Ferrari have now formed a ‘political alliance’ with every other engine manufacturer on the grid, which led to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff attempting to downplay the advantage his F1 outfit is gaining from it.
- READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton shares the same 2026 regulation frustrations as Max Verstappen after Bahrain testing
Is Toto Wolff playing mind games with Red Bull?
Mercedes insiders have refuted Toto Wolff’s defence of their compression ratio trick
During a recent episode of the F1 Insider podcast, F1 journalist Ralf Bach revealed some information that he received from ‘Mercedes insiders’ regarding Wolff’s previous comments regarding the advantage that the compression ratio trick offers.
He said, “Toto Wolff says we’re only talking about two to three horsepower.
“I spoke to Mercedes insiders who have been involved for a long time, and they say it’s a complete joke, because you already have a two-horsepower spread when you get two identical engines delivered from the factory.
“That can happen if you have a so-called engine that has been a bit sloppy. If it’s assembled, then you already have two-horsepower less alone.
“That’s why, if you have an advantage there, then we’re talking about more than two to three horsepower; trust the other experts. Depending on the lap, from two to three tenths, depending on the race track.”
Wolff also attempted to downplay Mercedes’ performance in testing by highlighting how superior Red Bull’s new F1 car is.
Max Verstappen set the timing sheets alight during the opening session of F1 testing on Wednesday morning, but it was the Silver Arrows who ended the week on top, with Kimi Antonelli topping the final day at Sakhir on Friday.
- READ MORE: FIA rules on 2026 Mercedes engine after ‘secret checks’ amid pressure from Ferrari and Red Bull
Kimi Antonelli made a serious statement on Day 3 at the first 2026 Bahrain test – Who looks strongest heading into Round 1?
The FIA face a difficult task as they try to find a solution before the Australian Grand Prix
One factor that isn’t aiding the FIA’s investigation into the matter is the fact that the 2026 F1 season-opener is inching ever closer, with a week of pre-season testing now in the books.
The FIA are facing an ‘impossible’ dilemma of trying to keep every team happy. Ferrari are unlikely to let Mercedes’ use of a loophole go, and the Brackley-based outfit is adamant that their new power unit checks all boxes that it is being asked about.
Mercedes have threatened to boycott the Australian GP if action is taken against them, and that involves their customer teams as well.
This means that we could very well see a season-opener to an entirely new set of regulations featuring just seven F1 teams, which would be a disastrous moment for the sport during such a boom in popularity.
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