FIA and F1 manufacturers reach compromise on engine controversy

Mercedes are suspected of exploiting a loophole to gain performance through the thermal expansion of components. Read more at straitstimes.com.

LONDON – Formula One’s governing body and manufacturers have reached a compromise solution to tackle an engine controversy that had threatened to overshadow next week’s start of the season in Australia.

The sport is entering a new era with the biggest changes in decades to the engine and chassis regulations.

Engine compression ratios have been a major talking point, with Mercedes suspected of exploiting a loophole to gain performance through the thermal expansion of components.

The governing FIA said in a statement on Feb 28 that amendments to the 2026 Formula One regulations had been approved unanimously by an e-vote of its World Motor Sport Council.

“A significant effort has been invested in finding a solution to the topic of the compression ratio,” it said.

“The FIA has worked to find a compromise solution which determines that the compression ratio will be controlled in both hot and cold conditions from June 1, 2026 and subsequently only in the operating conditions... from 2027 onwards.”