Rival manufacturers push for a compromise
As previously reported on LWOS, the other engine suppliers are unhappy with the Mercedes compression ratio trick.
They have made their frustrations clear, with Honda, Ferrari and Audi all writing letters to the FIA. What remains to be seen is what action will be taken.
Although Mercedes will be unimpressed at any kind of compromise, they can at least be relatively confident to avoid a worst-case scenario. Banning the Mercedes engine is not likely, and is frankly not seen as a realistic objective from the other manufacturers.
Nevertheless, other proposals are being considered. One of the more established ideas is to introduce a new way of measuring compression ratio whilst the cars on track.
More recently, alternative measures have been named. Among them is potentially introducing some form of limitation on the fuels Mercedes use – as a way to limit their advantage.
It must be emphasised that at this stage, nothing is set in stone. Mercedes still maintain their engine is fully legal and, considering their transparency with the FIA throughout the development process, this is understandable.
Despite this, the complaints of other teams could throw a spanner in the works. The FIA ultimately wants to avoid any official protests being lodged by the other manufacturers in Australia.
To avoid this controversy from spiralling out of control, the Federation is willing to compromise. Then again, as mentioned above, Mercedes are not afraid of getting their elbows out either.
In short, there are still more questions than answers about the Mercedes engine compression ratio. The next few weeks should help clarify proceedings.
Main photo: Sam Bloxham (Mercedes F1 Media Archive)
