With the March 1 engine homologation deadline looming, the FIA and FOM have finally set a date for a meeting with the Formula 1 power unit manufacturers.
The power unit advisory committee have set a meeting for Wednesday. The same day, the F1 commission is due to meet.
This meeting comes amid the ongoing conflict among manufacturers over the compression ratio.
The focus is on Mercedes, the Silver Arrows initially figuring out a grey area in the compression ratio, potentially unlocking more performance in the car.
Mercedes identified a grey area in the regulations that limit the geometric compression ratio of each cylinder to a maximum of 16:1. The regulation determined that the ratio would be measured at ambient temperatures.
That was where Mercedes spotted an opportunity, realising it could run a higher compression ratio at higher track temperatures while maintaining the ratios at ambient temperatures.
Originally, the FIA greenlit the loophole for the Brackley-based team. However, when Audi discovered the feature, it raised the issue with the FIA, with support from the other four manufacturers, to have it deemed illegal.
The FIA reversed its initial ruling and told the teams it would reach a decision by March 1.
How a decision will be made
To reach a conclusion, any issues are referred to the PUAC, which comprises the five power unit manufacturers, the FIA, and the FOM.
A supermajority is required to introduce a test into the regulations. However, to achieve this supermajority, the non-Mercedes power unit manufacturers – which are Audi, Red Bull, Honda and Ferrari – must gain the votes of the FOM and the FIA ahead of ratification before the World Motorsport Council.
If the non-Mercedes PUM succeeds, the next step will be whether there’s enough time for Mercedes to change their power units to align with the updates by the homologation date. If not, they’ll likely face a wave of protests after the chequered flag in Australia.
On the condition that the non-Mercedes PUMs fail to reach a supermajority, we’ll likely see protests in Australia, especially if teams continue to feel Mercedes exploited the regulations.
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