Last Updated on February 9, 12:27 pm
Just over twelve months ago, the FIA called a meeting of the powertrain manufacturers to discuss concerns that the all new 2026 F1 cars would run out of electrical charge along the straights. The proposal was to reduce the amount of electrical energy from its current 50/50 power split with the internal combustion engine.
To enforce any changes, there needed to be a super majority agreement, meaning four of the five manufacturers were required to vote in agreement. Audi and Honda in particular were not in favour of a tweak in the regulations and so the matter was swept under the carpet.
Now the fears of many have come to pass as in the Barcelona shakedown a number of drivers reported a loss of electrical power along the front straight and that they were forced to lift and coast into corners to conserve electrical energy. The FIA has now slated a pow wow with the manufacturers during the upcoming Bahrain pre-season test where the matter may well be revisited, although the primary purpose for the meeting is another topic entirely.
Mercedes new powertrain questioned for legality
Ferrari, Audi and Honda have been corresponding with the FIA in recent weeks since it came to light that Mercedes are using a metallurgical trick to defeat F1 governing body’s test for compression ratio’s in the internal combustion engine.
Engineers having left Mercedes High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth have allegedly spilled the beans on their former employer. The FIA test is conducted at ambient temperature when the power unit is ‘cold.’ However, once up to operating temperature, expansion in the specially selected metallic compound closes off a pocket in the cylinder, in effect reducing the cubic capacity and upping the compression ratio estimated at 18.1.
Initially it was believed that Red Bull too were exploiting a similar technology in their powertrain, although this now appears not to be the case. Red Bull have joined the other three manufacturers and are ready to protest the Mercedes power unit in an effort to have it declared illegal.
At the Barcelona shakedown, as happens each preseason, the teams had their espionage divisions in full action. Readings are taken by engineers of their rival’s engine notes at certain points around the circuit which are then analysed and reveal a whole host of information.
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FIA suggest three options
Mercedes pounded out the laps at the Catalan circuit, racking up more than 500 across their three days on track. Ferrari were instantly on the case, with detailed analysis ready to present to the FIA. Red Bull appeared to sit on the fence initially, but a report from Italy now suggests the Milton Keynes team are on board with Ferrari, Audi and Honda.
The advantage of the incremental compression is suggested to be in the order of 0.3-0.4 seconds a lap. Such an advantage for Mercedes, Williams, Alpine and McLaren could be worth 20-25 seconds in a full Grand Prix.
At a meeting last week of the FIA’s powertrain oversight committee, three options were presented as a course of action. The first would see the other team’s given the green light to develop their powertrains in a similar fashion, but this is unlikely to be adopted for the following reason.
The lead times to for the other manufacturers to design, produce, test and implement such a components would likely take them to after the summer break.
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Powertrains to be measured when hot
The second remedial action suggested was to impose a fuel flow limit on the Mercedes powertrain, to restrict their ability to exploit the extra compression.
Finally, Mercedes could be asked to sign a disclaimer stating explicitly the team are not in breach of any of the technical regulations. Whilst this may seem a soft response, the implications of Mercedes not telling the truth could see them disqualified entirely from the 2026 standings.
Now with Red Bull’s agreement, Ferrari have the votes to force the FIA’s hand. No longer will the Mercedes’ powertrain be protested in Australia as the FIA will now propose measuring the compression rates when the power units are hot.
This will come into force at round one in Melbourne, forcing Mercedes to ensure their powertrain design complies with the regulation. Whilst most teams appeared to agree Mercedes had the quickest package in Barcelona, the Brackley based team were keen to play any perceived advantage down.
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Mercedes believe their advantage is small
Sky Sport’s Craig Slater reported: “According to [Mercedes], they don’t like that status and they deny that they’re ahead at the moment. As far as they see it, and I’ve spoken to a senior figure there, it is very close between last year’s big four. So, they count themselves in the same rough bracket as Ferrari, Red Bull which is very creditable for them, and McLaren too.
“But if you speak to those three others outside Mercedes, they put Mercedes, well, certainly, I spoke to someone at McLaren, they think it’s not necessarily a permanent thing or built in for the whole season, but based on this test, they are a little bit ahead.”
At the last F1 power unit regulation change, Mercedes came out dominant and their advantage was primarily due to their powertrain alone. Yet this time around other teams believe the Mercedes chassis design is also good as Slater reports.
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Mercedes car is good
“McLaren believe Mercedes have come with a very good car, that it’s not just down to these conditions, which, in the previous iteration of cars, suited Mercedes, these cold conditions. They think it is irrespective of that.
“And part of it only is this better understanding of the power unit. and how to harvest and deploy the electrical energy. That’s not the whole story, as far as they’re concerned.
“McLaren think Mercedes have come out of the box with a good car, and are maybe a little bit ahead of the rest leaving here.”
With Williams having performed their own shakedown after missing the week in Barcelona, each of the teams now have some kind of idea how the all new Formula One racing era will play out. Yet the noises coming from the drivers and engineers is sending mixed messages over the actual spectacle the new regulations will deliver.
Lewis Hamilton who endured his worst ever season in F1 following his move to Ferrari is positive about the new cars and powertrains claiming “its actually a little bit more fun to drive”.
“Everyone’s positive and incredibly enthusiastic,” he revealed after the week in Barcelona. “I mean, we’re under no illusions. We know we’ve got work to do. Mercedes have done great running as well. I think Red Bull and Haas did some great running as well, so we don’t really know where we are, but I think it’s a solid first week and we can really build from here.”…. READ MORE
A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13 and a career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media. Having trained in investigative journalism and contributed to several European sports outlets, Hunt brings rigour and polish to every article. His role is to sharpen analysis, check facts and ensure TJ13’s daily output meets the highest editorial standards.