The FIA will thoroughly examine the Mercedes engine
According to ‘Autosprint’, the German factory’s engine will undergo new measurements, but this time while hot, to verify its compression range.
Formula 1 hasn’t even started preseason testing yet, and the first major controversy of 2026 has already erupted — this time over engine compression ratios and whether Mercedes may have pushed the new regulations a little too far.
Before teams even hit the track for the five‑day shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya, several rivals raised concerns about Mercedes’ new power unit. According to them, the German manufacturer might be achieving a compression ratio of 18:1 in its internal‑combustion engine — higher than the 16:1 limit set by the 2026 technical regulations.
The FIA initially stepped in and declared everything legal. Technical inspectors measured the compression ratio with the engines cold and fully disassembled. And after Mercedes showed impressive speed, consistency, and reliability in the early preseason — with McLaren, Alpine, and Williams also running the same power unit — team boss Toto Wolff didn’t hold back.
“I don’t understand why some teams are so focused on everyone else and keep arguing about something that’s already clear and transparent,” Wolff said. “Communication with the FIA has been positive. The procedure is standard. So sort out your own crap — don’t hold secret meetings to invent ways to check parts that don’t even exist yet.”
But the paddock isn’t convinced
Despite Wolff’s blunt response, the doubts haven’t gone away. According to reporting from Italy’s Autosprint, the FIA now plans to re‑test all V6 engines — this time under hot, running conditions rather than cold, static measurements. These new checks will begin at the Australian Grand Prix.
The goal: to determine whether Mercedes’ engine really exceeds the 16:1 compression ratio. Some sources claim that if Mercedes is hitting 18:1, the gain could be worth an extra 15–20 horsepower.
“That would be a significant advantage in performance and lap time — it could absolutely make a difference on track,” said Mattia Binotto, now Audi’s team principal and one of the figures who publicly questioned Mercedes’ engine. Ferrari has also raised concerns.
The season hasn’t even begun — and the drama is already here
With the first race still weeks away, the 2026 F1 season is already shaping up to be a political battlefield. Technical disputes, accusations, and behind‑the‑scenes maneuvering are back in full force.
And if history is any guide, this won’t be the last controversy of the year.
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