Currently in the spotlight is the discussion about the compression ratio that Mercedes' ICE appears to be able to work on. Although the regulation blocks this value at 16:1, the Stuttgart manufacturer would appear to have raised the bar to 18:1 when the engine is hot, at operating temperature.
The compression ratio entries are true
Rumors are circulating about the FIA, which recently, through its technical director, Nikolas Tombazis, via a video posted on YouTube, claimed that such insinuations are true: “There are some very intelligent engineers in F1 and some have found a way to increase the compression ratio when the engine is hot. The discussion is taking place precisely for this reason”.
Obviously the Greek technician does not name names, but it is clear to whom the reference is addressed. Mercedes would have devised an intelligent system whereby, when cold tests are carried out, the compression ratio is 16:1, while when hot, it could be as high as 18:1. That's why the FIA and other manufacturers have insisted that Melbourne introduce new verification methods: only time will tell what they will lead to (according to some rumors, the Mercedes was subjected to the new test and the engine was still deemed legal).
If you're wondering, however, whether this was the point of the discussion, we can answer with a resounding no. The FIA had locked the ratio at a value measurable through cold testing. Mercedes respects this value and is therefore regular. However… the Federation continues to foment the thinking of opponents of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, giving them credit and proposing alternative tests, which it will not perform starting in 2027. No, of course not. He'll do them right away, before Melbourne.
It's still quite amusing when we look at it from a technical perspective: we don't dare imagine the implications this could have for the final product, with changes not only to the design, but to all the procedures that lead to the definition and implementation of the finished product. Let's say then that the FIA, very nonchalantly, puts the weight of 11 on us: “We want the competition to be held on the track and not in the board of commissioners or in court. We are determined to make this a competition championship between the best drivers and engineers. It's not a championship among those who are more astute in interpreting the rules”, Tombazis said in the video.
Disrespectful disorder for F1 technicians
And excuse if we ask you: ‘If the world championship is not held on the track, but in the college of stewards, whose fault is it?’ It is not possible to "throw the barrel" on teams in this way due to inefficiencies within the regulatory body.
If the FIA didn't want the discussions to take place in a courtroom, it would be simple: is the engine as normal? Two alternatives, yes/no! If it is legal the other manufacturers will have to close the gap, if not ‘greetings and kisses’, until the manufacturer has a normal engine he will not be able to participate in the world championship events.
It is clear that technicians, given the existence of regulation, work and struggle to be at the limit with every solution. It must be their job to say, "Oh Good, I'm entering a gray area. Perhaps it would be better to rejoin the ranks?' Of course not! It is up to the FIA to judge whether what is presented by the technicians is legal or not.
Issuing TDs or changing control methods during the rules is confusing and, to be honest, it's not even very respectful towards those technicians who spent hours studying and interpreting the rules, had a great idea and now finally see the rules of the game changed three weeks before the first GP of the season.
Cover and internal photo: VIDEO FIA
Read also in italian language: FIA: troppo comodo incolpare i costruttori per proprie inefficienze
