Bernie Collins has spoken out regarding the FIA’s upcoming engine compression ratio test, which is set to be introduced from June 1 and will involve measurements taken at a temperature of 130 degrees Celsius.
The topic of engine compression ratios has become one of the key technical talking points of the current Formula 1 season. According to paddock speculation, Mercedes may have identified a way to pass the standard test procedures while still increasing the compression ratio when the engine is operating at higher temperatures.
Such a solution, if confirmed, could potentially deliver a performance advantage worth several tenths of a second per lap, making it a crucial factor in the competitive balance of the championship.
The German team has started the season in dominant fashion, securing front-row lockouts in Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka. However, Ferrari has applied consistent pressure, while McLaren also emerged as a stronger contender in the most recent round.
It remains to be seen whether the introduction of the FIA’s revised hot-temperature testing method will influence the competitive order moving forward, as all teams will now be subject to measurements conducted at 130 degrees Celsius.
Bernie Collins explains concerns over the new FIA test
Speaking on Sky’s “The F1 Show” podcast, Bernie Collins, former Aston Martin head of strategy, shared her perspective on the regulatory change and its broader implications for Formula 1.
“First of all, this is nothing new in Formula 1. Everyone reads the regulations and tries to find a way around the tests. Last year the same thing happened with the rear wings,” said the Northern Irish engineer.
“As for the engine compression ratio, you take air and fuel and compress them. This generates power in the engine, and the more you compress them, the greater the power. The idea is that Mercedes is compressing more — in particular, they may have found a way to increase compression when the engine is hotter.”
“Therefore, a test will be introduced that checks the level of compression at high temperatures. We do not know what effect this will have, because the German team has stated several times that it will not impact their performance,” Bernie Collins added.
Mercedes leads standings as scrutiny increases
Mercedes currently leads the constructors’ championship, holding a 45-point advantage over Ferrari, underlining the strength of its early-season performance.
In the drivers’ standings, Kimi Antonelli occupies first place, holding a nine-point lead over his teammate George Russell, further highlighting the consistency and competitiveness of the Mercedes line-up.
With the FIA preparing to enforce stricter testing conditions, attention will now turn to whether this technical directive will alter the balance of power or simply confirm the current hierarchy within Formula 1.
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