Mercedes F1 team head Toto Wolff has urged competing engine makers to “organize yourselves” following their grievances lodged with the FIA regarding Mercedes’ understanding of the rules.
The engine specifications for 2026 mandate a compression ratio of 16:1, a reduction from the previous year’s 18:1. This ratio has traditionally been assessed at room temperature when the engine is inactive, thereby not factoring in material expansion due to heat when vehicles are operating on the circuit.
A number of manufacturers have expressed concerns that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains might employ a clever method to elevate the compression ratio nearer to 18:1 during live operation, all while satisfying the static measurement requirements.
“We must, as is our practice, rely on the FIA to render appropriate judgments in this situation,” stated Audi’s technical director James Key during the unveiling of the team’s 2026 vehicle.
“These are new regulations. A fair competitive environment is essential. If a team developed an ingenious diffuser and it was deemed inappropriate, no other team could use it, yet the originating team could continue with it for the entire season. That defies logic. Such a scenario would be unacceptable to us.”
Conversely, Mercedes maintains firmly that its vehicles adhere completely to the regulations as documented, and has been rather puzzled by certain rivals, reportedly including Honda and Ferrari, uniting against what it perceives as an unequivocal matter.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
“It simply baffles me that certain teams devote more attention to their competitors and persist in debating a matter that is exceedingly straightforward and open,” Mercedes F1 boss Wolff informed specific media outlets, such as Autosport, during the team’s unveiling event. “Interactions with the FIA have consistently been very constructive, and this applies not just to the compression ratio but to other aspects as well.”
“Regarding that particular point, the regulatory guidelines are explicit. The established procedures for all engines, even beyond Formula 1, are equally unambiguous. Therefore, simply resolve your issues.”
He further stated: “The engine assembly is legitimate. Its design aligns with the specified regulations. The engine assembly also matches the agreed-upon inspection methods.”
Although no immediate alterations seem forthcoming, discussions are believed to be progressing regarding alternative methods for assessing compression ratios, including the introduction of tests during operational circumstances.
Any suggested remedies would be required to adhere to the standard administrative processes, which encompass a gathering of the F1 Power Unit Advisory Committee followed by a ballot within the F1 Commission.
Nevertheless, Wolff expresses little enthusiasm for attempts to modify practices concerning what is widely accepted as an industry norm.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes W17
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
“Engaging in covert discussions, dispatching confidential correspondence, and continuously attempting to devise testing methodologies that have no basis… I believe I can state, at least on our behalf, that we aim to reduce disruptions, focusing inwardly rather than on others when the regulations are quite explicit, as is the FIA’s communicated stance to both us and them thus far,” Wolff further stated.
“Perhaps we all operate differently. Maybe the inclination is to seek justifications for shortcomings even before commencing. Should anyone wish to amuse themselves with diversions, they are welcome to do so.”
The FIA has articulated its desire for this issue to be thoroughly settled prior to the season’s commencement in Australia next month, preventing the subject from carrying over into the fresh season when the priority is intended to be on the racing itself.
“Our strong intention is to prevent similar disputes and to ensure that all participants comprehend the regulations identically when they compete,” stated Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single-seater director, to Autosport at the Autosport Business Exchange held in London.
“It is unavoidable that with a completely new set of regulations, certain issues will emerge, and we consider it our duty to settle these concerns before the inaugural race.”
