Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Mercedes’ power unit will be under scrutiny today in a Formula 1 commission meeting during the second Bahrain Test.
During the pre-season testing ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes have come under scrutiny due to their new power unit, which may break new regulations.
It has been suggested that the new Mercedes engine breaks the regulations when it comes to the fuel compression ratio, as rival manufacturers believe it can reach a fuel compression ratio of 18:1.
Whereas the regulations state that the team’s power units can only run at a fuel compression ratio of 16:1.
According to rival manufacturers, Mercedes have slipped under the radar as the FIA only tests the power units at room temperature, not at operating temperature.
Mercedes set the pace on Day 3 in Bahrain, but McLaren logged some serious mileage – Should Aston Martin and Cadillac be worried?
READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage
An unofficial meeting taking place during the Bahrain F1 Test
Although the official Formula 1 commission meeting will occur today [Wednesday, 18th of February], rival power unit manufacturers reportedly held an ‘unofficial meeting’.
The meeting was discussed on X on Wednesday morning, when Planet F1 journalist Thomas Maher posted about its occurrence.
Of the five power unit suppliers, four were present at the meeting, as Audi, Ferrari, Honda and Red Bull discussed Mercedes’ power unit without the German manufacturer present.
The FIA cleared Mercedes’ engine in ‘secret checks’ ahead of the Bahrain Test, but it will once again be discussed as Ferrari and Red Bull are pushing for further examinations.
Maher said, ‘All very cloak and dagger in the paddock this morning.
‘Aside from the F1 commission meeting, we’re hearing there is an unofficial meeting of the power unit manufacturers, rather than the full PUAC.
‘But said meeting won’t have Mercedes at the table…’
The first pecking order predictions are IN!
What jumps out?
Ferrari believes the FIA will ban Mercedes compression ratio
Despite Ferrari leading the way into the second week of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, they are still lobbying for the FIA to investigate Mercedes.
Swiss publication Blick has reported that Audi, Honda, and Ferrari are all ‘furious’ with Mercedes, and it is suggested that Ferrari claims the FIA will ban the increased compression ratio for all the Mercedes-powered teams before the Australian Grand Prix.
It is unknown where this would leave the Mercedes-powered teams ahead of the season opener in Australia.
With the 2026 season getting underway in March, it would be unlikely that Mercedes would be able to supply their own team, McLaren, Alpine and Williams with modified power units in time.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
