There are so many rumors circulating about what can and cannot be done in 2026 in terms of voting and changes to the FIA regulations. The Mercedes case is making waves. Many people, including this writer, have been wrong in recent days to tell you that unanimity would be needed to make a regulatory change during the current year. The words of Wolff, co-owner of the Stuttgart-based F1 manufacturer, had led us astray.
The Mercedes team principal had recently stated very clearly and frankly that he wanted to close the door on any changes regarding alternative methods regarding the verification of the ICE compression ratio. However, a few days after this statement, the rule appears to have been approved and will be considered by the Federation for its introduction by the Australian GP. Let's explain the reasons.
The FIA has decided to protect the majority by harming those who have worked best
First of all, let us ask for mercy. We want to offer a correct and punctual service. We then conducted our research through FIA channels and found that rule changes will be made during the 2026 season through the methods we will communicate to you below.
Let us start from the fact that in the current calendar year unanimity will not be necessary under any circumstances. Indeed, a novelty. A simple majority will be required for decisions to be taken by April. This means that for all situations similar to that concerning the Mercedes engine, a majority will be sufficient for the new hot compression ratio control system to be introduced as TD in the control procedures.
In fact, if the vote is approved, this variant will be introduced as a TD and will become part of the Tencino regulation starting next year. The FIA has decided to eliminate unanimity to protect the majority, despite those who have worked best, and will ensure a fairer Formula 1, not only financially, but also in terms of performance, in the years to come.
We should therefore not be surprised if simple majority changes are introduced between now and April. At the end of this period, should cases of imbalance arise, the FIA and other producers may propose meetings for regulatory changes, which may still be accepted without unanimity, but with a supermajority regime. That is, with the consent of 8 out of 11 teams.
The FIA's actions are aimed at not creating imbalances, but obviously these actions will certainly penalise those who have done a better job just in the name of entertainment.
Cover photo: X, FIA (description: rendering car 2026)
Internal photo: X, F1 (description: the new W17 Mercedes)
Read also in italian language: Facciamo chiarezza: le agevolazioni alle modifiche regolamentari affliggono Wolff
