The latest chapter of the controversial Mercedes engine saga is being written. After weeks and months of discussions between the FIA and various manufacturers, an agreement is reportedly on the verge of being reached.
The FIA is set to implement measures which, if passed in a vote, could eliminate the advantage Mercedes have worked so hard to obtain from their engine solution.
Over the last few weeks, Toto Wolff has voiced his disgust at the accusations and complaints made by other manufacturers. Unfortunately for the Austrian, this has not stopped rivals from moving to take action against the Mercedes power unit.
Within the next few weeks, more information will emerge on Mercedes being potentially out-maneuvered by rivals.
The key in the Mercedes engine dispute
In brief, the Mercedes power unit is being disputed because of a mechanism that allows the engine to increase its compression ratio above the 16:1 limit.
At the core of this issue is temperatures. Traditionally, engine compression ratio is measured at room temperature – and under these conditions, the Mercedes engine is within the 16:1 limit.
However, Mercedes have developed an engine that can increase its compression ratio when at higher temperatures. This means the power unit increases its ratio (and thus generates more horsepower) when out on track. All the while, it still meets the legal parameters in static tests.
According to rival manufacturers, this interpretation of the regulations should never have been accepted.
Ferrari, Honda and Audi have protested very strongly against this engine solution. Fundamentally, their argument is that the regulations explicitly state 16:1 as the compression ratio limit – whether on track or in the garage.
From their perspective, using a trick to bypass the maximum limit out on track (even while passing static tests) is a clear violation of the rules.
Mercedes, meanwhile, insist they have simply found a loophole that other engine suppliers overlooked. Since they first started developing this technology, the Silver Arrows were in constant dialogue with the FIA to ensure its legality.
Indeed, the FIA have previously stated the Mercedes power unit is within the bounds of the regulations until now.
However, recent developments are understood to have changed the playing field. A new methodology is close to being introduced, which would essentially erase the advantage Mercedes have spent so long cultivating. (cont. on next page).
