Ferrari confirms further FIA talks over controversial 2026 F1 engine loophole
Ferrari have confirmed that discussions with the FIA regarding the controversial 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations are far from over, as concerns continue to grow over a potential engine loophole that could give Mercedes and Red Bull a significant competitive advantage.
Earlier this week, the FIA held a technical meeting with all registered power unit manufacturers to address allegations that Mercedes and Red Bull had identified a way to operate their engines beyond the limits outlined in the 2026 regulations. The focus of the debate was the engine compression ratio, which is capped at 16:1 under the rules.
However, it has been suggested that Mercedes and Red Bull are able to temporarily increase this ratio to as high as 18:1 when engine temperatures rise, potentially unlocking a performance gain estimated at around three-tenths of a second per lap. Such an advantage would be substantial under the tightly controlled 2026 regulations, immediately raising concerns among rival manufacturers.
Ferrari, Audi and Honda were among those to formally raise objections, prompting Thursday’s meeting with the FIA. The goal was to determine whether a reliable and enforceable method could be introduced to measure compression ratios during high-temperature operating conditions.
Despite lengthy discussions, no immediate solution was found. As a result, the FIA confirmed that, under the current regulatory framework, the Mercedes and Red Bull power units remain compliant and legal for now. This outcome initially led to speculation that the issue had been settled.
However, Ferrari have now made it clear that the matter is still very much ongoing.
Ferrari power unit technical director Enrico Gualtieri revealed that further talks are already scheduled, including discussions with the Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC), a key body responsible for overseeing technical governance related to engines.
“We are approaching the topic together with the FIA,” Gualtieri explained. “We are still discussing with them. We had a technical meeting recently, and there will be additional meetings in the coming days, leading up to the PUAC meeting.”
Gualtieri emphasised that Ferrari remains confident in the FIA’s ability to manage the situation appropriately, while also making it clear that the team expects a formal conclusion to be reached in the near future.
“We fully trust the FIA to handle this matter properly, following the procedures and governance defined by the regulations,” he added. “We believe the process will reach a conclusion in the coming days and weeks.”
One of the key complications facing the FIA is the lack of an existing mechanism to accurately monitor compression ratios during real-world operating conditions, particularly when engines are running at elevated temperatures. Any proposal to introduce new monitoring or testing procedures would require regulatory approval beyond the technical working group.
Should the FIA and manufacturers agree on a new method of verification, it would first need to be presented to the F1 Commission, where a formal vote would be required before any changes could be implemented. This adds another layer of complexity and delays to resolving the issue.
The situation highlights the challenges facing Formula 1 as it prepares for its major regulatory overhaul in 2026, when new power unit rules will place greater emphasis on electrical power, sustainability and efficiency. With manufacturers investing heavily in development, any perceived loophole is likely to be fiercely contested.
For now, Mercedes and Red Bull remain within the rules, but Ferrari’s confirmation of further FIA engagement suggests the saga is far from over. Whether the governing body can close the loophole — or determine conclusively that no breach exists — could have a significant impact on the competitive balance of Formula 1’s next era.
