The Corriere dello Sport continues to insist that intense talks with the FIA are at present underway. Among the many situations being mentioned is the opportunity of introducing new laws in the course of the season.
Mercedes beneath scrutiny
In the present day’s version of Corriere dello Sport, in an article by Fulvio Solms, reported the newest updates concerning the case of Mercedes’ thermal V6 engine, which is alleged 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 challenge at an important second for Method 1.
The FIA’s place
In line with the Rome-based newspaper, the FIA, having been knowledgeable of Mercedes’ mission, had initially given the inexperienced mild to the answer developed by the group led by Toto Wolff.
Nonetheless, a letter obtained from three rival engine producers reportedly pushed the FIA to think about a distinct strategy. 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 strain from more and more offended energy unit producers.
The edges concerned
On one aspect stand Mercedes and the groups provided by its energy unit: reigning world champions McLaren, together with Williams and Alpine.
On the opposing aspect, making use of strain 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.
Pink Bull, and subsequently Racing Bulls as nicely, has remained impartial. In line with Corriere dello Sport, the Milton Keynes-based group has not but managed to duplicate Mercedes’ answer and has no intention of participating in fierce political battles like these seen within the earlier cycle beneath Christian Horner. Naturally, the group led by Laurent Mekies desires readability on the matter, however it isn’t in any respect involved in regards to the legality of its personal energy unit.
What occurs subsequent?
In line with Corriere dello Sport, a summit between the engine producers and the FIA is scheduled for 22 January, with the goal of resolving the problem as soon as and for all. “Ferrari, Honda and Audi are asking the FIA to ban this engine as quickly as attainable in the course of the season.”
In consequence, the choice of introducing an ad-hoc regulatory change in the course of 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 end result of this assembly won’t solely decide the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 energy unit however may additionally set a precedent for the way the FIA handles technical innovation versus regulatory “loopholes” on this new period. With Ferrari and its allies demanding speedy motion, the Federation finds itself caught between permitting a probably season-defining benefit or risking a authorized battle by altering the foundations after the engines have already been homologated.
Jan 9, 2026
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