(Motorsport-Total.com) – The big scandal at the 2026 Formula 1 season opener has been averted. After previous speculation about a possible protest against the Mercedes engine, a compromise has now been reached in the premier class that prevents exactly this worst-case scenario.
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Last week, all Formula 1 engine manufacturers voted unanimously for a change in the measurement methodology for the compression ratio. While this has previously only been measured under cold conditions, a further measurement in a warm state will take place from June 1.
From the 2027 season, the measurement will be carried out exclusively in the operating state at 130 degrees Celsius. “I actually don’t think it’s fair,” says expert Ralf Schumacher in the Backstage Boxengasse podcast from Sky. Because of the rule change, Mercedes will likely lose an advantage.
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The background is that the Mercedes engine complied completely with the rules under the previous measurement methodology. However, it is said that a solution was found there to increase the compression ratio beyond the permitted limit at warmer temperatures.
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“I think it’s great when people have such ideas,” Schumacher emphasizes. However, due to the adjusted measurement procedures, such a trick would no longer be within the realm of legality. “Actually, the others should then have the opportunity to make improvements,” Schumacher believes. But instead, a new testing method was introduced.
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“For the peace of Formula 1, it is better if it is adjusted,” Schumacher also knows, but emphasizes that for Mercedes itself it is “of course not” the best compromise, especially since they also “spent money” on their own solution.
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However, that is exactly where a sticking point of the whole discussion lies. If the FIA were to allow the other teams to adapt their own engines, it would possibly involve enormous costs. “I think it’s nice that Mercedes is going along with it,” Schumacher therefore emphasizes.
For the team itself, the compromise is “a bit of a shame,” according to the expert. But: “The same applies, for example, to Ferrari in the starting situation, where it was said: Okay, we’ll give these extra five seconds so that everyone has their boost pressure, even if we could do it differently.”
“That shows the unity [in Formula 1],” Schumacher praises and says of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff: “I think he is also very aware that the overall situation is more important than the individual one.”
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