A sudden decision by the FIA could completely shift the balance of power in the upcoming Formula 1 season. Just a month before the championship kicks off in Melbourne, the German giant Mercedes and its partners have found themselves at the center of a major scandal. The organization intends to revise regulations to put an end to technical tricks that allowed Mercedes to surge ahead. Now, not only is their dominance at stake, but also the strategies of teams using their engines.
Earlier this year, fans and experts closely followed the unveilings of new cars and the first tests in Barcelona. It then became clear that Mercedes engines were giving four teams a significant advantage: alongside the factory team, these included McLaren, Williams, and Alpine. Their success was attributed to exploiting a ‘grey area’ in the rules, sparking outrage among rivals.
Technical intrigue
The conflict centered on the unique operation of the Mercedes power unit. Engineers managed to increase the engine’s compression ratio to 18:1 during races, whereas when engines were cold and undergoing technical checks, the ratio matched the required 16:1. This difference provided up to 15 extra horsepower and allowed teams to gain up to three tenths of a second per lap—an edge that did not go unnoticed by competitors.
The Ferrari, Honda, and Audi teams have openly expressed dissatisfaction, considering this practice a violation of the spirit of the regulations. Although Mercedes’ engine formally stayed within the rules, rivals argued for tighter controls. As a result, the FIA decided to put to a vote a change in inspection procedures: now, compression will be measured on a hot engine, rather than a cooled one as before.
A vote is looming
If the initiative is approved by the majority of manufacturers, Mercedes and its partners will be forced to urgently modify their engines. Four out of five votes are enough to make the decision, and it is already clear that Ferrari, Honda, and Audi will support the new measure. Red Bull, which had previously remained neutral, now also leans towards supporting the changes, practically guaranteeing the adoption of the new rules.
If the amendments are approved, the changes will come into effect as early as the Australian Grand Prix. This could not only strip Mercedes of its favorite status but also affect the balance of power throughout the championship. The German team’s management insists on the legality of their developments and does not rule out taking legal action if the FIA implements its plan.
Teams react
Within Mercedes, confidence in their technical solutions remains high. Team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly emphasized that their engine fully complies with the letter of the law, advising their rivals to ‘focus on themselves.’ However, now that most manufacturers support tighter controls, Mercedes’ position appears less secure.
The potential changes will affect not only the factory team, but also all customers using German engines. For McLaren, Williams, and Alpine, this means they must urgently adapt to the new circumstances to avoid losing competitiveness at the start of the season.
Season outlook
The scandal surrounding the Mercedes engines has become one of the main stories of the off-season. Even before the first race in Melbourne, tensions have reached their peak, and the outcome of the vote could be a turning point for the entire championship. If Mercedes’ advantage is neutralized, the battle for the title promises to be as unpredictable as ever.
In our previous feature, we already discussed how Formula 1 teams are preparing sensational innovations for the 2026 tests and why fans are eagerly anticipating the first surprises on track. For more on when and where to expect the biggest revelations of the off-season, read our review of the test schedule.
Mercedes is one of the most decorated and influential brands in Formula 1 history. In recent years, the team has repeatedly found itself at the center of technical debates, but has always managed to find loopholes in the regulations and turn them to its advantage. The management is renowned for its ability to respond swiftly to changes and implement innovations, which has often brought them success. However, the current situation may prove to be a serious test for the German marque, as not only their sporting reputation, but also the future of partnerships with other teams is at stake.
