P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A crucial vote has been agreed to decide whether to change F1’s regulations mid-season after controversy over Mercedes’ engine.
Formula 1 is facing a crucial vote on changing the rules mid-season concerning engine compression ratio measurements. It was discovered over the winter that Mercedes HPP had developed an engine exceeding the 16:1 limit with a 18:1 compression ratio when hot. The current rules measure compression ratio at ambient temperature, allowing Mercedes to pass, but with the potential to surpass the limit on track. The Power Unit Advisory Committee, consisting of key stakeholders, convened at the Bahrain test to discuss the issue. A potential regulation change to measure compression ratio at hot engine temperatures would require a supermajority vote. The final decision rests with the FIA and FOM, with differing opinions from teams including RBPT, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda. After a proposal submission at the PUAC meeting, a vote is anticipated soon with possible implications on F1 technical regulations post ratification by the WMSC. Red Bull emphasized the importance of gaining clarity on the matter for the sport’s future direction.
