P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 team principal issues update on ‘can of worms’ vote to stop Mercedes
Amid mounting controversy over a potential ban on the Mercedes engine in Formula 1, one team principal has strongly expressed his views on the issue.
Mercedes has reportedly exploited a loophole in the 2026 engine regulations, allowing their power units to run at a higher compression rate of 18:1 at elevated temperatures, despite the current limit being set at 16:1.
Rival power unit manufacturers are concerned about the performance advantage this could afford Mercedes, estimated to be around a quarter of a second per lap.
As pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain, there are talks among teams like Red Bull, Audi, Honda, and Ferrari about potentially pushing for a vote to outlaw the Mercedes engine.
Amidst this controversy, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis is eager to see a resolution before the season begins and hopes to avoid any legal battles over the matter.
Williams team principal James Vowles, who will be using Mercedes engines in 2026, emphasized the importance of upholding the existing regulations and expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of altering them.
The debate around the Mercedes engine underscores the complex issues surrounding innovation, compliance, and fair competition in Formula 1, with stakeholders grappling over the best path forward.
