Photo: Race Pictures

Ferrari urged to 'shut their mouth' in heated 2026 engine regulation debate

20:01, 01 Feb

byTobia Elia

Ralf Schumacher believes Ferrari has no right to speak out on the controversial engine compression ratio 'trick' after what happened in 2019.

“Ferrari of all teams should shut their mouth”

- Ralf Schumacher

In recent weeks, the debate has flared up around the notorious grey area that Mercedes is believed to have found in the 2026 regulations, exploiting the fact that tests are carried out cold and in static conditions to work around the compression ratio — effectively lowering it from 18:1 to 16:1.

On paper, that would result in a significant horsepower gain, which in turn could translate into a major performance advantage, especially at circuits where engine power plays a bigger role than elsewhere.

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher argued that the solution is perfectly legitimate and that exploiting grey areas has always been part of Formula 1.

Photo: RacePictures.

“That’s not unfair. That’s simply what F1 has always been about — the so-called grey areas. Five engineers try to stop 2,000 others from finding a better idea within the regulations. That’s always been F1. And that’s exactly why, whenever a new set of rules comes in, you suddenly get teams — including on the aerodynamic side — who manage to carve out an advantage. I actually like that, as long as it’s been clarified.”

Adding to his analysis, the former German driver believes that of all the teams with no right to protest, Ferrari would be at the top of the list — mindful of what happened in 2019 with the SF90 engine, which later led to a secret settlement with the FIA the following year, effectively clipping the wings of the SF1000.

“Ferrari of all teams should shut their mouth. I can remember a time when fuel was coming from a place it wasn’t supposed to come from. They should really keep their heads down and get on with the work. It’s not like anyone stopped them from having that idea themselves.”

Ross Brawn gives verdict on debated compression-ratio engine 'trick'

Speaking at the Autosport Awards, Brawn — who knows a thing or two about regulatory loopholes, as demonstrated by Brawn GP’s famous double diffuser in 2009 — sided with Ralf Schumacher, stressing that exploiting grey areas in the regulations has long been a well-established practice in Formula 1.

“I think that’s standard fare in F1. There’s always something to argue about. Someone comes up with an innovative idea and others get frustrated by it. I think that’s just standard practice.”

Read the full story here.

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