The FIA appears to have finally taken a decision on the Mercedes engine case: here are all the details
The second day of testing in Bahrain, at the Sakhir circuit, is shaping up to be more important than ever. While on-track activity is, as always, essential to understanding the performance of this season’s cars, it is the paddock rumours that are setting the Formula 1 circus alight.
According to Autoracer, the FIA is preparing to approve a major—possibly decisive—regulatory change for the 2026 season, a move that is bound to spark controversy, particularly within Mercedes and its customer teams.
A new regulation less than a month before Australia
With less than a month to go before the season opener in Melbourne, the FIA is reportedly ready to revise its regulations governing the cars that have just taken to the track for pre-season testing.
Following the significant and growing complaints raised by Ferrari, Audi, Red Bull and, most recently, Aston Martin, the sport’s governing body is said to have decided to reformulate the technical regulations for power unit manufacturers.
Specifically, the changes would aim to clarify the methods and procedures used to inspect and monitor the power units supplied to teams. The equation is straightforward: more controls, greater clarity, and fewer opportunities to exploit grey areas in the regulations. As a result, the rulebook will be rewritten, directly impacting those who appeared to hold a significant—albeit potentially illusory—advantage.
Now the focus shifts to Mercedes and its customer teams (McLaren, Williams and Alpine): how will they respond to the FIA’s actions?
Photos: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
