F1 | Mercedes engine compression debate, Ferrari clarifies its position. Ferrari addresses the debate over a potentially irregular Mercedes engine compression ratio.

Mercedes engine and an allegedly irregular compression ratio: Enrico Gualtieri explains Ferrari’s position in the ongoing discussions with the FIA.

The issue surrounding the supposed irregular compression ratio of the Mercedes engine continues to fuel debate in the paddock and has also attracted the attention of the FIA’s senior management. During the presentation of the Ferrari SF-26, Enrico Gualtieri was asked whether the Mercedes engine topic could now be considered closed or whether there was still room for further discussion.

The Ferrari technical chief made it clear that the dossier is far from being closed and that discussions are still ongoing. “The discussion on the compression ratio is still open,” Enrico Gualtieri explained during a press conference reserved for a selected group of media, including F1inGenerale, immediately addressing the heart of the issue. “We are dealing with the matter together with the FIA.”

Irregular Mercedes engine: Ferrari’s response

Ferrari, like the other manufacturers involved, is actively taking part in the technical clarification process. “We had a technical meeting yesterday and we will have others in the coming days, leading up to the PUAC meeting.”

At the moment, however, there are no definitive decisions or official positions. Just yesterday, 22 January, the FIA decided that, for now, a final solution cannot be taken. It is highly likely that it will first be necessary to go out on track and then carry out further evaluations together with the other power unit suppliers.

The approach taken by the Maranello team is based on caution and on respect for the procedures set out in the regulations. “We trust the process and the governance defined by the regulations,” Enrico Gualtieri underlined. This position reflects the complexity of the topic, especially during a transition phase towards the new 2026 technical regulations, where every interpretation can carry significant weight. “For the moment, we can only wait.”

The feeling is that the debate surrounding the Mercedes engine and its compression ratio is not destined to fade away in the short term. The upcoming technical meetings and the work of the PUAC will be decisive in definitively clarifying an issue that continues to dominate discussions in the world of Formula 1.