The Corriere dello Sport continues to insist that intense talks with the FIA are at present underway. Among the many eventualities being mentioned is the potential for introducing new laws throughout the season.
Mercedes underneath scrutiny
Right now’s version of Corriere dello Sport, in an article by Fulvio Solms, reported the newest updates relating to the case of Mercedes’ thermal V6 engine, which is claimed to be able to exceeding the 16:1 compression ratio set by the brand new laws when working, regardless that the measurement is taken with the engine chilly.
These rumours, which have by no means been denied, define a scenario that’s proving extraordinarily troublesome for the FIA to resolve, particularly with the beginning of the 2026 world championship drawing ever nearer. The governing physique is now required to rule on a extremely delicate subject at a vital second for Method 1.
The FIA’s place
In response to the Rome-based newspaper, the FIA, having been knowledgeable of Mercedes’ undertaking, had initially given the inexperienced gentle to the answer developed by the staff led by Toto Wolff.
Nevertheless, a letter acquired from three rival engine producers reportedly pushed the FIA to contemplate a distinct method. The Federation first proposed permitting this technical workaround just for the 2026 season, earlier than opening discussions with the groups and placing the choice of a mid-season regulatory intervention on the desk, pushed by stress from more and more offended energy unit producers.
The edges concerned
On one aspect stand Mercedes and the groups equipped by its energy unit: reigning world champions McLaren, together with Williams and Alpine.
On the opposing aspect, making use of stress on the FIA and signing the letter despatched to the governing physique, are Ferrari, which additionally provides Haas and Cadillac, Honda, linked to Aston Martin, and Audi.
Crimson Bull, and due to this fact Racing Bulls as nicely, has remained impartial. In response to Corriere dello Sport, the Milton Keynes-based group has not but managed to copy Mercedes’ answer and has no intention of partaking in fierce political battles like these seen within the earlier cycle underneath Christian Horner. Naturally, the staff led by Laurent Mekies needs readability on the matter, however it’s not in any respect involved concerning the legality of its personal energy unit.
What occurs subsequent?
In response to Corriere dello Sport, a summit between the engine producers and the FIA is scheduled for 22 January, with the goal of resolving the difficulty as soon as and for all. “Ferrari, Honda and Audi are asking the FIA to ban this engine as quickly as attainable throughout the season.”
In consequence, the choice of introducing an ad-hoc regulatory change throughout the 2026 season is now firmly on the desk.
Because the January twenty second summit approaches, the political local weather within the Paddock is reaching a boiling level. The result of this assembly won’t solely decide the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 energy unit however may additionally set a precedent for a way the FIA handles technical innovation versus regulatory “loopholes” on this new period. With Ferrari and its allies demanding instant motion, the Federation finds itself caught between permitting a probably season-defining benefit or risking a authorized battle by altering the principles after the engines have already been homologated.
Jan 9, 2026
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