Just one month after the winter vacation, there were reports that Benz Exploiting the compression ratio bug started around the paddock. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently came out to slam rivals, asking them to “unite” amid the compression ratio controversy and complaints from other power unit manufacturers.

The FIA ​​has introduced new power unit regulations for the 2026 season, reducing the compression ratio from 18:1 to 16:1. Reports on Blackley’s equipment and subsequent reports red bull The vulnerability exploiting the compression ratio emerged a month ago.

As the FIA’s compression ratio is reportedly at ambient temperature, the Blackley-based factory used material that expands as the engine reaches operating temperature and increased the compression ratio from 16:1 at ambient temperature to 18:1 at operating temperature.

Rival Honda has also questioned this. ferrariand Audi, reportedly complained to the FIA ​​in the hope of clarification. There have been multiple developments on the issue, with some reports stating that the FIA ​​will allow Mercedes to run the engine only through 2026 as there will not be enough time to rebuild the engine in time for the season.

Since then, in F1 pre-season testing in Barcelona, ​​the Mercedes engine has racked up the most mileage but has the fewest reliability issues. The 2026 Mercedes F1 car was officially launched on February 2. Toto Wolff stood up and took action against his opponents in the controversy over the compression ratio loophole.

“I just don’t understand that some teams pay more attention to other teams and keep arguing a very clear and transparent case. The communication with the FIA ​​has been very positive, not only in terms of compression ratio, but also in other aspects. Especially in this area, what are the regulations, what are the standard procedures,” said Toto Wolff

“So, let’s unite you. Have secret meetings and letters and invent testing methods that don’t exist… I can say at least from us that we are trying to minimize disruptions and that this focuses more on us than on others,” the Mercedes team principal added

FIA proposes three solutions to Mercedes’ compression ratio flaw

The FIA ​​recently held meetings with representatives from various F1 teams over the compression gap controversy and claimed that no rules were broken according to the governing body. Amid continued protests from rivals, FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis came out and said:

“We definitely don’t want people to interpret the rules slightly differently once the championship starts. I think it’s fair to say that there are places where the rules are not clear to everyone. The main goal is to make sure that this issue is clearly and absolutely resolved before the first race, so there are no further discussions.” (via Motorsport Italia)

“We hope to clarify the issue by following all existing governance processes and then if anyone wants to complain, that is their matter. We are still working on solutions,” he added

The FIA ​​has reportedly proposed three options to ensure Mercedes does not gain an advantage by exploiting the loophole. The first option is for teams to spend the extra money to redesign the engines and catch up to Mercedes.

The second is to limit the performance extracted from Petronas fuel by inserting a fuel flow meter. The last option is for the Silver Arrows to sign a legal document stating they haven’t broken any rules.