Corriere dello Sport has provided further details on the Mercedes engine case: the FIA was reportedly caught off guard and is now working to find a compromise.
The leak regarding the alleged irregularity of Mercedes power units has shaken the Formula 1 paddock, and at this point the scandal shows no sign of dying down. According to what has emerged, the Brackley-based team is said to have found a way to circumvent a technical directive imposed by the FIA for 2026, gaining—according to accusations from rival engine manufacturers—a huge advantage in terms of power.
The tip-off from an engineer and the race against time
Corriere dello Sport has reconstructed in detail the origin of the discovery of the alleged loophole. According to the Rome-based daily, around seven months ago a Mercedes engineer who later moved to Red Bull revealed to his new colleagues in Milton Keynes the technical solution adopted by the German manufacturer for 2026. At that point, Red Bull attempted to replicate the same system.
The difference between the two teams, again according to Corriere dello Sport, would lie in the development timelines of their respective projects. Despite its attempt, Red Bull would still be able to bring to the track an engine fully compliant with the regulations, whereas Mercedes—having been working on its 2026 project for over a year—would no longer be able to intervene in time to bring its power unit back within the imposed limits.
The newspaper also revealed that last Thursday an emergency meeting was held with all the engine manufacturers involved, convened specifically to address the case. The FIA, under intense pressure from Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull, and Audi, now faces an extremely delicate choice: either ban Mercedes from participating in the World Championship—which would also exclude McLaren, Williams, and Alpine, all powered by the German manufacturer—or allow them to race, exposing itself to potential sanctions and legal disputes in light of the near-certain complaints from the other teams.
There is also a third option. Corriere dello Sport explains that the possible compromise would be to allow Mercedes to compete in 2026 with its current engine, but requiring full compliance with the regulations starting in 2027. This solution, however, would not be welcomed by the other teams, who would have to endure a championship potentially dominated by Mercedes engines.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
