The long-running Formula 1 power unit controversy in regards to compression ratios has reportedly taken a new twist.
Last week, during the second week of pre-season testing in Bahrain, it was announced by the FIA that F1 power unit manufacturers would be able to vote on changing the regulations to ensure PU compression ratios would be measured in operative temperatures, as well as ambient.
This was in direct response to the kickback that the PUMs caused by its displeasure with the apparent loophole exploited by Mercedes and its own engine.
The German marque had been able to produce a PU that could be measured in the new regulations’ compulsory ratio of 16:1, but could run higher when in use on the track.
This sparked rumours of a protest between three other PUMs – Audi, Ferrari and Honda – which met with the FIA to seek a resolution to the issue, and were soon joined by Red Bull, despite its own use of the same loophole.
The plan concocted in Bahrain during an F1 Commission meeting gave PUMs the opportunity to vote to change the regulation and the measurements taken, effective from August 1, effectively from the second half of the season onwards.
F1 and the FIA would also be given a vote, and with both entities typically voting in a bloc, the result would have been a ‘super majority’ that would have ratified the changes if both opted to align with the four manufacturers.
But Motorsport Magazin has reported that a fresh alteration to this plan is now set to be proposed, with the potential changes coming into effect on June 1 instead.
This, if, voted for, would require Mercedes to make changes to its PU during the first half of the season, and lose the benefits it’s expected to have up until then.
And an additional element of the vote would also see the rules change altogether in 2027, with the compression ratios being measured in hot temperatures only, effectively ridding Mercedes of any semblance of advantage altogether.
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