It’s been a favourite subject of speculation for weeks: Mercedes’ alleged engine trick. The Silver Arrows are said to have found a way to raise the compression ratio while the W17 still complies with the technical regulations. Red Bull — which has also been accused of employing a similar trick — is reportedly siding with Mercedes’ rivals — Ferrari, Audi and Honda — to push through a rule change ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
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The 2026 season hasn’t even started, yet the first controversy over the new engine regulations is already here. Mercedes is said to have applied a ‘trick’ to their brand-new power unit. That would raise the compression ratio from the permitted 16:1 to 18:1. The ‘trick’ is reportedly within the letter of the technical regulations. The FIA only measures the compression ratio when the car is stationary. Only when the car is on track would the compression ratio increase as the engine heats up.
Rivals Ferrari, Audi and Honda are anything but happy with the ‘trick’. The three have reportedly even gone to the FIA demanding a change to the regulations. A meeting of the Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC) last Thursday, where the issue was on the table, allegedly produced nothing.
Red Bull
What appears to have changed, however, is Red Bull’s position. The Austrian squad was earlier accused of applying the same sort of ‘trick’ as Mercedes to its own compression ratio. Red Bull kept quiet then, but is said to have since sided with Ferrari, Audi and Honda. With Red Bull in their camp, Mercedes’ rivals would likely have the numbers to push through a rapid rule change.
According to Fi.com, Mercedes’ rivals are now preparing a joint proposal to submit to the PUAC to measure compression ratio while the engines are still hot. The aim is to get this in place before the Australian GP. Italian outlets Autoracer and Autosprint even report the FIA is already working on a new measurement method, although nothing has been confirmed.
