Adrian Newey weighs in on Mercedes engine trick debate: 'I'm biased'

Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey has admitted he is “biased” when it comes to judging Mercedes' alleged engine trick.

In the build-up to the new season, the German manufacturer has been the centre of attention due to its ability to run an 18:1 compression ratio while the engine is hot and running, despite regulations stipulating a maximum of 16:1.

However, the measurements can only be taken by the FIA when the car is cool and stationary.

The other manufacturers are seeking a solution to the situation amid fears that Mercedes could have a significant advantage this year.

Aston Martin will run Honda power units this season after ending its collaboration with Mercedes at the end of 2025.

When asked by Sky Sports for his opinion on the matter, Newey stated: “I'm biased, clearly.

“Everybody is aligned bar one manufacturer. Where that will end up, we'll find out in Melbourne.”

Aston Martin endured a challenging start to the new season, with its car arriving late at the Barcelona shakedown test.

Fernando Alonso, who enters a record-extending 23rd F1 season this year, stated he trusts the FIA to come to the right conclusion but insisted Aston Martin is focused on its own needs.

“To be honest, not really paying much attention. We had enough challenges at the moment ourselves,” he said.

“We ran one day and a half in Barcelona, we have to understand a lot of our own things. 

“We follow the case from the media and at the same time we trust FIA. 

“Whatever decisions come, we will accept it. It will be nice to start all with the same rules. The first year of the regulations is, is critical.

“You don't want to give advantage for the next four or five years to one manufacturer, so we want to to have clarity on that. 

“But as I said, not really deep, deep into the conversations or the decisions yet, because we have a lot of things to do in on ourselves.”