New hot-condition verification criteria for V6 engines as early as Melbourne: the proposal passes with a majority vote among Ferrari and the other manufacturers.
The case linked to the compression ratio of Mercedes power units is taking a direction that clearly favours Ferrari. After weeks of discussions between the FIA and the manufacturers, the Federation is understood to have opened the door to a change in the verification criteria for the V6 engines, effectively accepting the concerns raised by Ferrari, Honda and Audi.
At the heart of the issue is the regulatory limit of 16:1 for the compression ratio. According to what emerged during the technical meetings, Mercedes units were able to comply with the letter of the regulations during measurements carried out when the engines were cold. However, once brought up to operating temperature, they would have been capable of exceeding that threshold.
This regulatory grey area had fuelled both political and technical debate in the paddock, with Toto Wolff only a few days ago firmly reiterating the full legality of the solution adopted in Brixworth, urging rivals to “get a move on”.
The new measurement criterion
During the latest meeting with the teams and Formula 1, the FIA is said to have agreed to introduce a new inspection method. Checks on the V6 components would still be carried out statically, but under hot conditions, therefore simulating circumstances closer to actual on-track use.
This is far from a marginal change and could come into force as early as the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the new regulatory cycle.
Red Bull changes position
If Red Bull Powertrains had initially not signed the letter of protest, the Milton Keynes-based operation now also appears ready to align itself with the position of Ferrari, Honda and Audi. This shift in the political balance is decisive because, despite being a technical change introduced right on the eve of the championship, unanimity will not be required.
The rule can in fact be approved with the favourable vote of the FIA, Formula 1 and four out of five manufacturers. In this scenario, the only opposing party would remain Mercedes.
Effects also on customer teams
The revision of the measurement criteria does not concern the German manufacturer alone, but also has direct repercussions for its customer teams. McLaren, Williams and Alpine could find themselves having to deal with a technical situation different from the one that emerged during the Barcelona shakedown.
What initially appeared to be a purely regulatory matter is therefore taking on the characteristics of a crucial issue for the balance of power at the start of the season.
Ferrari, which had insisted from the very beginning on the need to clarify this regulatory grey area before Melbourne, now sees its position strengthened in a case that risked opening the 2026 World Championship under the shadow of controversy and formal protests.
The focus will be on the technical scrutineering bays in Melbourne to see how these changes impact the hierarchy. While the political maneuvering continues behind the scenes, the ultimate verdict will be delivered on the track, where the true performance of these revised power units will finally be revealed under the pressure of competition.
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