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Mercedes’ fuel supplier has not homologated their e-fuel for the 2026 Formula 1 season amid engine disputes.
Throughout the Bahrain Formula 1 Tests, Mercedes have dominated the headlines due to the disputes surrounding their power unit for the 2026 season.
There had been reports that the new Mercedes engine violates the fuel compression ratio of 16:1 for the 2026 season, as it is believed it can run at 18:1 when running at high temperatures.
Even though the FIA have declared the Mercedes power unit is legal until at least the 1st of August, there has now been further speculation regarding the engine dispute. However, this time over the e-fuel.
Are Mercedes’ rivals hiding behind 2026 ‘excuses’?
Mercedes have ‘made the most’ of the fuel compression ratio dispute
A factor that has gone under the radar in the Mercedes fuel compression ratio dispute is that Petronas have not homologated their e-fuel for this season.
Motorsport have now been speculated that Petronas and Mercedes have delayed homologating their e-fuel for this season until the power unit was declared as legal.
There would be an advantage to the delay in the homologation, as now the Mercedes power unit has been declared as legal. The 18:1 ratio means there would be more power with the lower fuel consumption, which would result in less weight as less fuel would be needed in the car.
Have Mercedes re-established themselves as favourites at the final test?
READ MORE: FIA now set to change 2026 F1 engine tests mid-season after Ferrari raised Mercedes complaints
Fred Vasseur labels the FIA as ’embarrassing’ over fuel compression ratio dispute
The rumblings continue in the Formula 1 paddock with the fuel compression ratio dispute, and Fred Vasseur has openly discussed the FIA’s handling of the matter.
There was a meeting at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday, where the fuel compression ratio was discussed, resulting in a vote being sent to the power unit suppliers regarding whether a rule change should come into place from the 1st of August.
However, on Monday, Vasseur said the way the FIA has handled the dispute was ’embarrassing’. It has been suggested that Ferrari proposed a way to test the fuel compression ratios months ago.
Ferrari have also revealed technical developments that caught a lot of eyes during the second week of the Bahrain Test as they revealed a new exhaust flap and a new rear wing, which is aiming to save energy.
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