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F1 faces explosive engine controversy: FIA summons teams over Mercedes and Red Bull’s tactics

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 10, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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F1 faces explosive engine controversy: FIA summons teams over Mercedes and Red Bull’s tactics

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 09: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 overtakes George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 09, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Andy Hone/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202511090772 // Usage for editorial use only //

F1 in Turmoil: Controversy Erupts Over Engine Regulations Ahead of Season

The world of Formula 1 is already embroiled in controversy even before the engines roar to life. Tensions are rising as allegations surface against Mercedes and Red Bull-Ford regarding potential exploitation of technical regulations surrounding their power units. This brewing storm has prompted the FIA to intervene, calling an urgent meeting with all manufacturers ahead of the first closed test in Barcelona.

Concerns have intensified, particularly from rival teams Audi, Ferrari, and Honda, who assert that Mercedes and Red Bull are navigating a loophole in the engine compression rules. While the regulations stipulate a strict maximum compression ratio of 16:1, suspicions arise that these teams may be managing to adhere to this limit under normal conditions but then increase it when the engines heat up. This manipulation could lead to substantial gains in power output and fuel efficiency, raising the stakes in this high-octane sport.

Initially, the FIA seemed satisfied with Mercedes’ explanations, but the uproar from rival teams compelled the governing body to seek further clarification. As a result, a pivotal technical meeting has been scheduled for January 22, just days before the highly anticipated tests in Barcelona kick off.

Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, has warned that if these allegations prove true, the ramifications could be dire, calling such an approach “suicidal” in terms of the sport’s integrity. The FIA emphasized that discussions surrounding these new regulations are commonplace, aiming to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.

However, any adjustments to the regulations, whether it be the removal of the compression limit or tightening the existing rules, are unlikely to have immediate consequences. Changes may not take effect until 2027 or even midway through the season. With so much at stake in the imminent season, the FIA is keen to avoid early-season protests or disputes, especially with the spotlight on the Australian Grand Prix looming large.

As the clock ticks down to the start of the season, the Formula 1 community watches with bated breath. Will the FIA enforce stricter regulations to curb this potential manipulation? Or will the powerhouses of Mercedes and Red Bull continue to dominate the track, leaving their competitors in the dust? The answers are just around the corner, and this season promises to be one for the history books.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-f1-saudi-grand-prixjamarr-chases-mercedes-maybachred-bull-ford
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