FIA issue statement on Mercedes engine ban in major development ahead of season
The FIA have released a statement revealing the deadline that Mercedes may be made to change their controversial Formula One engine.
Ahead of the Formula One season starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8 there has been much discussion on which teams are expected to perform best in 2026.
With a new set of regulations introducing massive changes ahead of the new season, it has been suggested that there could be massive shakeups across the grid.
However, as it stands it appears that eight-time World Constructors' Championship winners Mercedes will be the best team this year thanks to a clever loophole in the engine regulations that they have exploited.
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But the Mercedes engine has been met with massive backlash from opposing teams, forcing the FIA to speak out and confirm exactly when the British team could be made to change their engine.
According to various reports, Mercedes have dodged a new regulation relating to the ratio between the largest and smallest volume in the cylinder of the engine.
It has been claimed that the engine only complies with this limit during specific static tests at ambient temperature, which is how the FIA check the cars are legal, but that they could actually achieve a higher ratio while running at higher temperatures.
But now, in a statement released on the Formula One website, the F1 Power Unit Advisory Committee has confirmed that they have submitted a proposal that would require engines to meet this limit also during operating temperature.
"Over recent weeks and months, the FIA and the power unit manufacturers have collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions," read the statement.
"Following validation of this approach, a proposal has been submitted whereby, from August 1, 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 vote has been submitted to the power unit manufacturers, and its outcome is expected within the next 10 days and will be communicated in due course."
If passed, the new changed to the rules would requite Mercedes to change their engine to meet these conditions by August 1, when the summer break is set to start.
This would give Mercedes almost six months to change their power unit, allowing them to potentially enjoy the benefits of the boost in the first races of the season before changing their power unit.
Each of the five power unit manufacturers will get to vote on the matter including Mercedes, with the other four being Ferrari, Audi, Honda and Red Bull powertrains.
It's not known exactly what vote split would be required for the proposal to be passed, but it is believed a 4-1 majority may be necessary.
Ben McCrum