FIA meets teams today to discuss Mercedes engine trick: Binotto warns “If true…”

Today, the FIA will hold a crucial meeting with all Formula 1 teams to discuss the suspected “compression ratio trick” on Mercedes’ 2026 power unit, issuing a clear warning: “If true…”

The FIA is tasked with taking a position on the matter, and the meeting will help determine the next steps in the coming months. Mattia Binotto has already sounded the alarm on the potential trick used by Mercedes on their 2026 engine, cautioning: “If it’s true…”

This meeting could influence the championship before the season even begins. Today, Mercedes will unveil their new W17, while Ferrari is scheduled to reveal the SF-26 tomorrow. Ferrari’s debut will include a short 15 km shakedown, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completing a few laps on Fiorano’s likely cold and possibly wet track. The private test schedule for Barcelona (January 26-30) is already set, with the two Ferrari drivers alternating sessions. The Maranello team’s activity will run from January 27 to 29. McLaren will follow a similar schedule. But the key question remains: what advantage could Mercedes’ engine trick really bring?

Binotto cites “significant advantage” but FIA decision still pending

So far, Audi has been the team most insistent on clarifying the suspected compression ratio trick, which allegedly maintains a ratio of 16 while the Mercedes engine reaches 18 when running. Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 Team, addressed the matter during the 2026 car livery launch: “If true, it would certainly represent a significant advantage in terms of performance and lap time. That makes a real difference when it comes to on-track competition. But it’s not for me to prove or confirm—everything is in the hands of the FIA.”

Today’s FIA meeting will provide a better understanding of the discussion, but according to AutoRacer.it, teams are in constant dialogue with the Federation, which is not expected to rush any decisions. No final rulings are anticipated from today’s meeting.

Real-time checks could change how the trick is monitored

Current engine inspections are carried out “cold,” but the alleged Mercedes trick activates at high operating temperatures. Could this prompt a change in testing procedures? Mattia Binotto commented: “I don’t think we’ll see any clarifications immediately. We’ll continue discussions on improving real-time monitoring of the compression ratio while the engine is running.”

According to the Italian press, this expansion of components could provide an estimated 40 horsepower advantage. Everything remains to be confirmed, and Ferrari will need to work closely with other engine manufacturers to ensure the season isn’t effectively decided before any racing begins. Meanwhile, rumors suggest Ferrari faces some challenges of its own, making 2026 a pivotal year for the Scuderia and the future of Maranello.