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Williams team principal James Vowles says F1 has a choice to make about whether it remains a meritocracy or punishes “the best engineering” amid the row over compression ratio rules
Williams team principal James Vowles believes Formula 1 faces a crucial decision on whether to prioritize rewarding good engineering as a meritocracy or to potentially penalize it, amidst ongoing debates over compression ratio rules. The controversy involves Mercedes, who supplies engines to Williams, allegedly exploiting a loophole to gain a performance advantage under the new regulations for 2026. Competitors such as Ferrari, Audi, Honda, and Red Bull Powertrains are collaborating to propose a rule change for measuring compression ratio at operating temperatures. If the manufacturers reach a consensus, it could lead to a regulations change, pending approval from FIA and Formula One Management. The situation is expected to escalate during the upcoming F1 Commission meeting in Bahrain next week amid uncertainties about the potential impact on Mercedes’ engine design. Vowles emphasizes the essence of F1 as a meritocratic sport that rewards engineering excellence, urging for careful consideration before altering the compression ratio testing protocol to avoid moving towards a Balance of Performance-style series.
