The FIA has not dismissed reports that Mercedes and Red Bull may have identified a technical workaround in Formula 1’s 2026 power unit regulations, instead signalling that it is closely watching developments, according to Italian media.
The focus of the speculation is the compression ratio, a key parameter in internal combustion engines that measures how much the air-fuel mixture is compressed inside a cylinder.
Under the 2026 rules, the FIA lowered the maximum compression ratio from 18 to 16 to rein in combustion engine performance as the electric component’s output is set to triple. However, inspections are said to be carried out with the engine cold. This has fuelled claims that some manufacturers may be able to return to a higher ratio once the V6 is running, due to thermal expansion affecting internal components and altering effective dimensions.
Tensions Rise Among Teams
About seven months ago, an engineer who moved from Mercedes to Red Bull Powertrains revealed details of the concept, prompting Red Bull to attempt to replicate it. The report claims Mercedes has been developing the approach for around a year but may struggle to produce an engine that meets the compression limit of 16 in on-track conditions, unlike Red Bull.
Any fallout would extend beyond Mercedes itself, potentially affecting customer teams McLaren, Williams and Alpine.
According to the report, a general meeting was held at the FIA, with rival manufacturers including Ferrari and Honda demanding immediate clarification. Red Bull and Audi were also said to be seeking answers.
The FIA is described as facing a difficult choice: ban the system, which could prevent four teams from competing, or allow it and risk a wave of protests and possible disqualifications. One compromise under discussion would permit Mercedes-powered teams to race with a non-compliant engine on the condition of full compliance by 2027, a solution that is reportedly opposed by rival teams.
Kursiv also reports that the FIA shut down another potential area of exploitation in Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 power unit regulations.
