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The FIA says it wants to keep the dispute between Formula 1 teams over the sport’s new power units for 2026 out of the “courts” and seeks to resolve the issue before the start of the new season.
Ahead of the new season, which starts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, Ferrari, Honda and Audi are understood to be concerned that pre-season title favorites Mercedes and Red Bull, which is producing its own power units for the first time, may have built a performance advantage through so-called regulatory “loopholes”.
At issue is compression ratio limits, with rivals suggesting the two manufacturers may have found a way to offer higher limits than are theoretically required under brand-new 2026 regulations.
The compression ratio limit has been reduced to 16.0 from 18.0 under the previous ruleset, but is only measured when the engine is not running at full temperature.
In a video interview released by the sport’s governing body on Monday, FIA single-seater director Nicolas Tombazis explained how they are dealing with the issue.
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“Because these engineers are so smart and always looking for an advantage, some have found ways to possibly increase the compression ratio (compression ratio) when the engine is running hot, and that’s what we’re talking about now,” Tombazis said
“We spent a lot of time discussing how to resolve these issues and our intention is of course to resolve them at the start of the season.
“We don’t want to be controversial. We want people to compete on the track, not in the courtroom or stewards’ room, and that’s what we try to do.”
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Both sides of the debate have heated up, with Mercedes chief executive Toto Wolff telling those complaining about his team’s engines to “get your guys together” and accusing them of “making excuses before they even start”.
On the other hand, team principals who obtained power units that were not exploited have always maintained that they believe their engines are legal and comply with the rules.
The controversy comes amid what is widely considered to be the biggest regulatory change in F1’s history, with new chassis and power unit regulations being implemented.
Tombazis added: “It’s impossible not to have these discussions when we develop new rules, and that’s always been the case.
“I think what has changed is that we are determined to make this a championship where the best drivers, the best engineers, the teams compete against each other, rather than a championship where the rules are interpreted.
“We want it to be a championship of engineering prowess and driving prowess, but actually more than just a smarter interpreter of the rules.”
“The F1 teams are not close to the voting area yet”
sky sports news Journalist Craig Slater said earlier Monday that there was still hope for a solution as the situation became too chaotic.
Slater said: “What people may have understood is that Honda, Ferrari and Audi, and perhaps Red Bull, will join forces to force a change in the rules through a so-called ‘super majority’.
“I’m told we’re still a long way from that goal.
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“It will require six of the seven parties that make decisions about engines – that is the five engine manufacturers plus the FIA, governing bodies and Formula 1’s commercial rights holders – to put their stamp of approval.
“I don’t even think we’re close to the voting realm yet. There are other solutions that can be found and discussions still need to be had.
“Veterans in the sport tell me that even though some teams are a little nervous about it right now, once the season starts, maybe other issues will start to take over.”
Sky Sports F1 Bahrain test schedule
Test 1: Wednesday, February 11, Thursday, February 12, Friday, February 13
- 3 p.m.: Last hour of live track and field events
- 8pm: Test ends
- 8.30pm: Ted’s Test Notebook
Test 2: Wednesday, February 18th, Thursday 19th, Friday, February 20th
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning live broadcast
- 11.55am-4.10pm: Afternoon live broadcast
- 8pm: Test ends
Stream every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8. Watch Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime
