Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is furious about the accusations concerning his team’s new engine for F1’s 2026 regulations, but it continues to cause distress over at Ferrari.
As Formula 1 gears up for its most dramatic rule overhaul ever, speculation has been growing that Mercedes may have taken advantage of a gap in the power unit rules, which sit at the core of these changes.
The move away from costly MGU-H components towards more advanced sustainable fuels is part of that shift. The share of electrical power is also going up, moving closer to a balanced split with internal combustion. While not quite there yet, the plan was originally to reach an even 50/50 split under these new rules.
The compression ratio for internal combustion engines (ICE) has also shifted – down to 16:1 from last year’s 18:1. But Ferrari believe Mercedes have found a way around this by taking advantage of a loophole in how the FIA conducts its tests.
Ferrari building a 2027 engine in response to FIA’s expected ruling on Mercedes loophole
Wolff has pushed back against any suggestion that Mercedes are bending the 2026 regulations. “Just get your s— together,” Wolff said, while adding that Honda and Audi, as well as Ferrari, might simply be looking for excuses rather than solutions.
Ferrari believe that the FIA will ultimately rule in favour of Mercedes – and possibly Red Bull – over this engine issue. Leo Turrini reported that Scuderia has already started work on a similar approach.
Enrico Gualtieri, who leads Ferrari’s engine department, has approved plans for his engineers to develop substantial changes aimed at creating a dynamic compression ratio within their power unit. However, these modifications aren’t expected to be ready before next season.
This move is part of Ferrari’s wider effort to bring engine development back in-house. Specifically, they need a new connecting rod design with a high thermal expansion coefficient – one capable of offsetting the compression loss caused by heat buildup within the power unit.
Why Mercedes’ 2026 engine advantage could be a major concern for Ferrari
Ferrari may not have their own version of the design ready to run on the dyno until summer 2026 at the earliest. Even then, it will take additional time to get the concept track-ready.
The Scuderia are frustrated that Mercedes have interpreted the wording of the new rules in a way that could allow their compression ratio to rise above 16:1 during operation. The potential performance gain is estimated at up to four-tenths of a second per lap, depending on circuit layout.
It’s not just Ferrari raising concerns now. Red Bull have reportedly joined them in seeking clarification from the FIA over whether Mercedes’ approach is within the regulations. And if it’s ruled illegal, Audi’s James Key has stated they won’t accept Mercedes running such an engine throughout 2026.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
