Mercedes case resolved: toward the signing of a new regulation
FIA technical director Nikolas Tombazis was quite clear regarding the legality of the new power units: “It must not become a competition to see who is the cleverest in interpreting the rules.” In recent weeks, the FIA has openly brought the power unit manufacturers around the same table, encouraging cooperation between all stakeholders and urging them to work in the best interests of the sport. The goal was also to prevent a potential escalation of protests that could have poisoned the beginning of Formula 1’s new era.
Following last week’s meeting between the members of the PUAC (Power Unit Advisory Committee), the direction appeared to be moving toward a modification of the current regulations — something Toto Wolff’s recent comments seem to confirm. However, several options remain on the table, including changes to the control systems and the introduction of the possibility of (partial) hot checks to verify compliance.
Red Bull Powertrains takes a side, creating a super majority that isolates Mercedes
According to several engine manufacturers, Mercedes was unlikely to have reached the compression ratio reportedly used last year (18:1), but rather a lower value — still higher than what is normally achievable starting from a cold compression ratio of 16:1. Achieving a more aggressive compression ratio would, according to some, have translated into an advantage potentially worth around 20 horsepower.
A margin of that scale naturally concerned rival manufacturers, although Toto Wolff downplayed the impact, stating that it was worth “a few horsepower.”
It was no secret that the new 2026 power unit regulations were not yet fully set in stone. It is no coincidence that the situation finally began to unlock after the first kilometres were completed on track by the various teams. Ferrari, Honda and Audi had already made their position clear through a joint letter requesting clarification from the FIA, and especially after this week of testing, the debate intensified further.
According to information gathered by the Italian media, the engine manufacturers are now on the verge of signing an updated set of regulations. This would mean resolving the dispute at its root, avoiding potential legal clashes and helping all parties move beyond the current stalemate.
The regulation currently under discussion aims to clarify the methods and procedures for autonomous power unit checks described in FIA document OC42, which was filed by the manufacturers. Such clarification would effectively eliminate the existing grey area. Not only is a vote on this solution possible — it appears likely to take place very soon in order to close the matter.
At this point, the question no longer seems to be whether there will be an “adjustment or limitation” applied to Mercedes power units, but rather when it will come into effect.
Ferrari was not chasing a Mercedes-style trick
Contrary to some uncontrolled rumours, the scenario now taking shape clearly indicates — for obvious reasons — that Ferrari is not working toward increasing the compression ratio of its own engine.
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