Mercedes Faces Paddock Backlash Over 2026 Power Unit Amid Testing Start

In the midst of the first official 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, Mercedes finds itself at the center of a brewing controversy surrounding the legality of its newly developed power unit. While the team enjoyed a reliable start to testing—logging consistent laps in both Barcelona and Sakhir—its engine has drawn intense scrutiny, with rival manufacturers questioning whether it complies with the spirit, if not the letter, of the new compression ratio regulations.

Toto Wolff, team principal, has staunchly defended the Silver Arrows’ engine, declaring it “100 per cent legal.” However, the technical intricacies surrounding the interpretation of compression ratio limits have sparked debate. Wolff dismissed the concerns as political posturing: “I think how this whole thing has come about is blown out of proportion. If our competitors would know how little difference it makes, the standpoint would be a little bit silly to give it so much importance.”

Despite Wolff’s confidence, rivals remain unconvinced. Williams team principal James Vowles admitted, “There are concerns. We are analyzing the data, and we need clarity from the FIA. Transparency is essential in a new regulation era.”

Hamilton Calls for Fair Competition

Adding weight to the growing unease, Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, expressed his desire for a level playing field: “I want to make sure we’re all starting on an equal playing field,” the seven-time world champion said. “The best car and driver should win, not the team that found a loophole.”

While Mercedes’ performance in Bahrain wasn’t blistering—George Russell finishing sixth, 1.5 seconds off Lando Norris’ pace—its consistency and long-run speed during the Barcelona shakedown raised eyebrows. The team’s ability to maintain car balance under high-temperature conditions has also been called into question, with Wolff acknowledging “complications” not experienced in testing.

FIA Expected to Step In

With four other power unit suppliers—Ferrari, Red Bull, Alpine, and Audi—reportedly lodging formal inquiries, the FIA is expected to review the matter before the Australian Grand Prix in March. Multiple sources in the paddock suggest a technical directive could be issued to standardize interpretations ahead of the season opener.

As testing continues in Bahrain, all eyes will be on how Mercedes responds—not just on-track, but in the growing war of words off it.