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McLaren CEO Zak Brown has responded to rumors indicating Mercedes-powered cars would be forced to sit out of F1 season-opener in Australia.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has addressed rumors about Mercedes-powered cars potentially being excluded from the Formula 1 season-opener in Australia. The speculated ‘compression ratio trick’ allegedly found by Mercedes and Red Bull could provide them with a substantial advantage under the new engine rules.
The two teams reportedly discovered a method to increase the compression ratio beyond the allowed limit, which caused concerns among rival teams and PU manufacturers across the grid. Brown dismissed the calls for immediate rule changes as typical Formula 1 politics, emphasizing that the Mercedes engine is compliant and has passed all tests.
Despite lobbying for regulations to be amended and suggestions like fitting sensors on cars, Brown remains confident that all three Mercedes-powered teams, including McLaren, will participate in the Australian GP. The revelation that Red Bull reported Mercedes to the FIA, allegedly unable to replicate the trick themselves, has added intrigue to the situation, but Brown is certain that all Mercedes cars will be present on the grid.
