P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull, Ferrari, Audi and Honda should protest the Mercedes power unit if they are so unhappy with its clever compression ratio trick, says Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen.
Alpine’s managing director, Steve Nielsen, has called on Mercedes’ competitors to challenge its power unit and take action regarding the controversial compression ratio matter, urging them to “put some skin in the game.” The Enstone team has transitioned to being a customer of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP) for the 2026 season in an effort to enhance competitiveness, leaving behind its works status. Alpine, along with McLaren and Williams, has opted to obtain power units and gearboxes from Mercedes HPP, operating from its Brixworth campus, following the revamped power unit and chassis regulations for the new F1 era. The dispute between Mercedes HPP and other power unit suppliers (Red Bull, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda) revolves around the altered power unit regulations setting compression ratios at 16:1 instead of the prior 18:1. Mercedes devised a method to boost fuel compression, enhancing power and potentially gaining a few tenths of a second per lap, drawing criticism from competitors. Despite the buzz and pressure to alter regulations, Nielsen remains unfazed, emphasizing trust in Mercedes’ compliance with the rules and confidence in the FIA to uphold fairness. As discussions loom for a potential rule change at the F1 Commission meeting in Bahrain, Nielsen encourages teams to follow proper procedures, respecting the regulations and urging competitors to act on their concerns by protesting if necessary.
