P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Until a week ago, Mercedes was confident its engine compression ratio trick would stand. Now the tide might have turned against it and towards a rule change
Until recently, Toto Wolff from Mercedes felt confident that the compression ratio issue in Formula 1 would resolve on its own without action, but the upcoming F1 Commission meeting in Bahrain has put the Mercedes-powered teams in uncertain territory. Rivals like Ferrari, Honda, Audi, and Red Bull are pushing for a rule change that could impact Mercedes. The possibility of a new hot test procedure affecting the Mercedes teams is now being considered. With Red Bull potentially changing sides and a super-majority vote looming, the rules may indeed change. Despite FIA’s previous support for Mercedes, the political landscape is shifting, and the outcome is unpredictable. As Wolff puts it, surprises are common in F1, and the winds of change can alter the course of decisions swiftly. The pressure from major manufacturers may sway the FIA, raising doubts about whether Mercedes can avoid a significant political showdown before the season begins.
