Ex-F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya does not believe Mercedes’ rivals should be complaining about its power unit.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has staunchly defended the legality of Mercedes’ power unit amid concerns raised by rivals regarding its compliance.
The current power unit regulations for 2026 specify a mandatory compression ratio of 16:1, a criterion that Mercedes meets to clear the requisite tests during grand prix events.
These tests, overseen by the FIA, are conducted at ambient temperature, presenting a potential loophole for exploiting the regulations.
It is rumored that Mercedes’ engine can operate at a compression ratio of 18:1 while on the track, offering superior efficiency in low- and medium-speed corners for the W17.
While the FIA has affirmed the legality of the engine from the Brackley-based team, they have announced the implementation of new power unit tests in effect from June 1.
The forthcoming assessments will involve checking compression ratios at 130°C, effectively nullifying any advantage Mercedes might have if operating at 18:1, ensuring compliance with the prescribed 16:1 ratio.
Montoya highlights the essence of F1 lying in the technical innovation and the strategic interpretation of regulations, encouraging competitors to focus on enhancing their own engineering solutions rather than questioning their rivals’ achievements.
