FIA proposes engine testing changes amid Mercedes dispute
Formula 1’s governing body has put forward a proposal to alter engine testing procedures midway through the 2026 campaign, targeting the ongoing dispute over Mercedes’ power unit design, reports BritPanorama.
The FIA’s plan would mandate that compression ratio limits be verified at a 130°C operating temperature from 1 August, rather than solely under ambient conditions as currently required.
Power unit manufacturers have received the proposal and must cast their votes within the coming ten days, ahead of the season opener in Melbourne. This development follows collaborative work with engine suppliers over recent weeks.
“A proposal has been submitted whereby, from 1 August 2026, compliance with the compression ratio limit must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions, but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C,” the FIA stated. Securing approval for the new testing methodology demands a super majority within the Power Unit Advisory Committee.
This threshold requires backing from at least four of the five engine suppliers, alongside support from both the FIA and Formula One Management. Ferrari, Audi, Honda, and Red Bull appear poised to endorse the additional hot test, leaving the governing body and commercial rights holder as the decisive voices. The existence of the proposal itself suggests the FIA considers action necessary, making approval likely should manufacturers reach consensus.
It had been reported that discussions took place during testing on Wednesday, though Mercedes were not invited to these particular talks. Red Bull’s position had previously appeared uncertain, with engine chief Ben Hodgkinson initially dismissing the controversy as “a lot of noise about nothing” in January. Aston Martin principal Adrian Newey indicated earlier this month that “everybody is aligned bar one manufacturer” on the matter.
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies emphasised his squad’s desire for definitive guidance on the regulations. “We don’t really mind if the regs goes left or if the regs goes right,” he said. “What we absolutely want is clarity on what we can do and what we cannot do.”
Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur dismissed any suggestion of lodging a formal complaint at the Australian Grand Prix, stating, “We are not there to make a protest. We are there to have a clear regulation and to have everybody with the same understanding of the regulations.” Williams team principal James Vowles predicted a rapid conclusion to the affair, suggesting resolution would arrive “probably over the next 48 hours.”
The FIA also confirmed that race start procedures would undergo further scrutiny during the ongoing Bahrain test following concerns about the new power units. Drivers now require approximately ten seconds of revving to bring turbos into the correct operating window, raising fears about cars becoming stranded on the grid.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella had voiced alarm about potential collisions, insisting the matter transcended competitive interests. Two potential remedies have emerged: delaying the start light sequence to allow all drivers adequate preparation time, or permitting battery power to compensate for any turbo shortfall before cars reach 50km/h. The governing body resisted immediate regulatory changes, stating that “initial evidence and feedback remains immature.”
As discussions intensify around these proposed changes, the implications for the teams, particularly regarding the competitive balance and safety, remain to be seen. The evolving landscape of Formula 1 governance underscores an ongoing commitment to maintaining both innovation and fairness in the sport.
