Ferrari rules out protest in Mercedes F1 engine dispute

11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ferrari rules out protest in Mercedes F1 engine dispute

Formula 1 is heading toward a regulatory showdown over engine design, with the FIA set to deliver a decision at next week’s F1 Commission meeting in Bahrain that could reshape the 2026 season before a single competitive lap is run.

At the center of the dispute is Mercedes’ interpretation of the new power unit regulations, which lower the maximum compression ratio from 18:1 to 16:1 starting in 2026. While the Mercedes engine has passed FIA-mandated tests conducted at ambient temperatures, rival manufacturers argue that the German team has identified a method to achieve a higher compression ratio once the power unit reaches operating temperature on track. Such a scenario could translate into a meaningful performance advantage.

Ferrari, Honda, Audi and, more recently, Red Bull Powertrains have aligned in calling for a revised testing procedure that would measure compression ratios under hot running conditions rather than when engines are cold. According to reports by The Race, Red Bull’s shift away from Mercedes’ position has increased the likelihood of a supermajority vote that could enforce a rule clarification or amendment.

Speaking during pre-season testing in Bahrain, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur dismissed the prospect of lodging a formal protest but stressed the importance of regulatory clarity. He said Ferrari’s objective was not to challenge a rival through official channels but to ensure that all competitors share the same understanding of the technical framework.

The matter is complicated by the March 1 engine homologation deadline and the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8. Motorsport.com has reported significant uncertainty over whether Mercedes could implement any required modifications in time should the rules be reinterpreted. Eight cars powered by Mercedes engines, including entries from Mercedes, McLaren, Williams and Alpine, could face a competitive setback if changes are mandated at short notice.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged that the political landscape had shifted in recent days. Speaking to reporters in Bahrain, he said he had been confident the issue would not escalate until the end of last week, when support among rival teams appeared to consolidate.

Wolff indicated that Mercedes would accept the outcome of any governance vote, even if it resulted in a regulatory adjustment unfavorable to the team and its customers. He ruled out legal action but cautioned that operating the engine outside its intended design parameters could significantly harm performance.

Privately, the FIA has signaled that Mercedes’ approach complies with the current wording of the rules. It remains unclear whether that interpretation will stand once the Commission convenes. Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché said his team is adhering to the FIA’s guidance and is focused on ensuring that the regulations are applied fairly across the grid.

The Commission’s decision is expected to carry major implications for competitive balance in 2026, as manufacturers finalize development of the next generation power units under a tightly regulated framework.