Formula 1 is currently in hibernation, but things are not quiet or even contemplative in the premier class. The reason is, among other things, Ferrari, which is said to be complaining vehemently to the FIA about a trick that Red Bull and Mercedes have found to make their own engines more powerful.
Something is brewing again in Formula 1. The reason is the new regulations, in which there are some loopholes that at least two manufacturers are already exploiting. Specifically, it’s about the newly defined compression ratio in the cylinders. This has been reduced from 18.0 to 16.0.
The measuring method becomes a point of contention because: The FIA measures the compression ratio when the engines are still cold. Red Bull and Mercedes are said to have found a trick to increase the compression ratio above the limit as soon as the engines are hot. In other words: when measured, they meet specifications. As soon as the cars are on the track, they cross the border.
The two top teams are operating in a gray area because the FIA does not yet consider this trick to be a violation of the rules. This in turn is causing a lot of trouble at Ferrari, among others.
Ferrari complains about Red Bull and McLaren
According to Italian media, the Scuderia has already complained vehemently to the world motorsport association several times about this trick used by the competition, which, it is rumored, can result in up to four tenths per lap.
Ferrari is now demanding an adjustment to the regulations and is reportedly thinking about officially lodging a protest after the first race in Melbourne. In Maranello they allegedly fear that it could take six to seven races before equal opportunities are restored. By then the World Cup train could already have left for the Reds.