Ferrari works on Mercedes-style compression trick, but eyes are on 2027
The engine war in Formula 1 isn’t confined to the racetrack: as the 2026 season prepares to take off, the next generation of power units continues to dominate discussions in the technical garages. According to reports, Ferrari F1 has already begun developing its 2027 engine, incorporating a solution inspired by Mercedes AMG F1. This move appears motivated by the ongoing controversy over the 2026 engine compression ratios and by early indications that the rivals’ technical solution may be deemed legal in future seasons, giving Ferrari a strong incentive to replicate the approach and remain competitive.
The compression “loophole” and regulatory context
The core issue revolves around the power unit’s compression ratio, which in 2026 has been reduced to 16:1 measured at cold engine according to the technical regulations. However, some teams have reportedly found ways to exploit materials and construction methods so that the effective ratio reaches—or approaches—18:1 when the power unit is at operating temperature, effectively replicating the performance of engines from previous seasons. It is precisely this presumed technical capability that is believed to provide a significant on-track power advantage, with Mercedes and Red Bull among the main beneficiaries of this interpretation.
The situation has sparked a series of meetings between constructors and the FIA, discussing whether to limit the use of this “elasticity” in the compression ratio, since regulatory checks are carried out at ambient temperature, not during operation. For now, despite pressure from Ferrari, Audi, and Honda for the federation to clarify or close the alleged “loophole,” the matter remains unresolved with no formal ban.
Ferrari’s response and the path toward 2027
Faced with the likelihood that the technical solution—controversial as it may be—will remain as is and could be applied to 2027 engines, Ferrari reportedly decided to incorporate similar elements into its future project, ensuring it does not fall behind its rivals. This development is not just a copy, but a proactive adjustment anticipating the regulatory direction from the next season onwards. The objective is clear: avoid a technical disadvantage in a championship where every horsepower and fraction of a second matters.
The comparison between “optimized compression” engines and more traditional units keeps the spotlight on the FIA’s role in managing rules and balancing technical interpretation with regulatory intent. With 2026 about to begin and 2027 on the horizon, the power unit battle could become one of the most decisive chapters of modern Formula 1.
The strategic shift by Ferrari to adopt a Mercedes-style compression solution for 2027 highlights the extreme technical pragmatism required to win in modern Formula 1. By looking beyond the immediate challenges of the 2026 reset, the Maranello team is ensuring that they are not left vulnerable to a long-term performance deficit caused by a regulatory gray area. As the FIA continues to mediate between the competing interests of Mercedes, Red Bull, and the chasing pack, it is clear that engineering “elasticity” will be as critical as raw horsepower in the years to come. Ferrari’s decision to follow this development path suggests that the 18:1 effective compression ratio may become the unofficial standard for the next era of racing. For the Tifosi, this proactive approach is a promising sign that the Scuderia is ready to fight fire with fire to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of the sport.
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