Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
FIA

FIA condemned by F1 fans after Mercedes engine trick action

The FIA recently updated its regulations as it opted to take action against the compression ratio saga.

Russell Bahrain Morning Day 3
Article
To news overview © RN365/Michael Potts

A significant majority of F1 fans believe the FIA was wrong to take action over the compression ratio saga that has been in the headlines in the build-up to the new season.

Rival manufacturers sought action after it emerged Mercedes had seemingly found a way to run its engine at an outlawed 18:1 compression ratio when on the track, but readings could only be taken when the engine was cool.

But Mercedes was able to exploit the loophole by having its engine in conformity with the regulations when at ambient temperatures.

However, in a recent update to the technical regulations, the FIA confirmed that from June 1, it will start checking the compression ratio at 130°C.

It will eliminate any potential advantage Mercedes has explored after the first seven races of the year.

RacingNews365 asked you, the fans, if you thought the FIA had done the right thing - and there was a clear answer.

Over 67 per cent of voters declared that it was wrong to do so, as pushing the limit of the rules is part and parcel of F1.

See the full poll result below!

Was the FIA right to take action over the compression ratio saga?

FIA condemned by F1 fans after Mercedes engine trick action
Option %
No - Pushing boundaries and finding loopholes is part of the sport 67.07%
Yes - It is unfair to the other engine manufacturers 32.92%

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they are joined by former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley to look ahead to the Australian GP! Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and McLaren are key discussions in this special episode.

Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!

Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.

Download the calender

Join the conversation!

Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.

Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar

A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..

F1 calendar 2026
Race Date
aus GP Australië 08 Mar 2026
chn GP China 15 Mar 2026
jpn GP Japan 29 Mar 2026
bhr GP Bahrein 12 Apr 2026
sau GP Saoedi-Arabië 19 Apr 2026
usa GP Miami 03 May 2026
Full calendar
x
LATEST Ferrari urged to consider shock Christian Horner move