The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1 and motorsport, is set to vote on a mid-season prohibition concerning a contentious engine design that is thought to have been initiated by Mercedes for the forthcoming 2026 season.
This year, F1 has introduced entirely new engines, yet competitors have expressed skepticism regarding Mercedes’ interpretation of a specific aspect of the new regulations related to compression ratios.
Competitors have claimed that Mercedes has discovered a method to pass a legality test when the engine is cold, while subsequently achieving a higher compression ratio—and thus greater power output—when the engine is at operating temperature.
Up to this point, the FIA has been able to effectively evaluate the claims made by rival manufacturers, but on Wednesday, they announced that they have now “collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operational conditions.”
Mercedes, along with its four competing manufacturers—Red Bull (which is constructing engines for the first time this year), Ferrari, Honda, and Audi—will participate in a vote with the FIA and Formula One Management regarding the implementation of a representative operating temperature of 130°C starting August 1, effectively from the F1 summer break onward.
If this vote achieves a supermajority of five to seven, it will be enacted, allowing Mercedes 13 races until the Hungarian Grand Prix to make any necessary adjustments. The complete F1 season consists of 24 races.
ESPN has learned that the voting will be conducted electronically. The FIA did not provide additional details, only stating that the results will be announced within the next 10 days, in time for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
Mercedes manufactures its own engines and supplies them to the reigning world champions McLaren, as well as Alpine and Williams.
Earlier this month, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remarked that his team and its clients would be “screwed” if the FIA and F1 sided with their competitors, although this was in response to a question specifically about tightening regulations ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. The FIA’s vote has at least postponed that potential outcome until mid-year.
The FIA’s complete statement read: “In recent weeks and months, the FIA and the Power Unit Manufacturers have collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions. Following the validation of this approach, a proposal has been submitted whereby, from August 1, 2026, compliance with the compression ratio limit must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C.”
“The vote has been presented to the Power Unit Manufacturers, and its outcome is anticipated within the next 10 days and will be communicated in due course. As with all Formula 1 regulatory changes, any amendment remains subject to final approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.”
This new vote will alleviate concerns about a potential protest from rivals after the Australian Grand Prix, which some in the paddock had feared could be the next development in the ongoing controversy.
Earlier in the day, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies stated that they were seeking clarification on the correct interpretation of the regulations. “We don’t really mind if the regulations go left or if the regulations go right,” Mekies said.
“What we absolutely want is clarity on what we can do and what we cannot do. That’s what we are working on with the FIA and the other power unit manufacturers to achieve this absolute clarity. I’m confident that we will reach that point.”
Source: espn.com
