F1 2026: Ferrari told to 'shut up' over 2026 power unit loophole

Leclerc, Hamilton, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Ferrari told to 'shut up' over F1 2026 power unit loophole

Ferrari are one of the teams said to have complained about a potential engine loophole

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Monday 2 February 2026 18:54

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Former F1 star Ralf Schumacher has warned Ferrari to 'shut up' about the potential engine loophole that has been found in the 2026 power unit regulations, hinting at their 2019 fuel flow saga.

Ferrari are one of the five power unit manufacturers in F1 who have built a brand new power unit this year amid the wholesale regulation changes that have swept into F1.

The new power units feature a 50/50 split between electrical energy and the internal combustion engine, with electrical energy tripled compared to 2025, and the internal combustion engine being able to be run off entirely sustainable fuels.

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But the off-season has been dominated by talk of a potential loophole that has allegedly been found in the regulations by Mercedes regarding geometric compression ratios.

It has been reported that Mercedes have found a way for the compression ratio to be at the allowed 16:1 when the engine is stationary, but then increase to the previously allowed 18:1 when moving, something that could allow an extra 15 brake horsepower.

This has also led to rumours of the other power unit manufacturers, including Ferrari, having asked the FIA to clarify the rules to avoid any discrepancies moving forward into this new set of regulations.

Now, Schumacher has warned Ferrari to keep quiet, pointing to their 2019 car, which was the subject of a power unit investigation about fuel flow.

Ferrari’s power unit emerged as the class of the field in 2019, with the team displaying a power advantage over their rivals, and enjoying impressive straight line speed.

But other power unit manufacturers were unsure as to how they were gaining this advantage, leading to a row over fuel flow measures. Ferrari eventually reached a 'settlement' with the FIA in early 2020.

"I mean Ferrari, I think they should shut up completely," Schumacher said on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

"I can remember that the fuel came from a corner where it shouldn't have come from. So keep your feet still and keep working. I think you could have come up with the idea."

Will Mercedes really have an advantage in 2026?

Head of the Audi F1 project, Mattia Binotto, recently said that it would 'certainly make a difference' if Mercedes or any other team have managed to uncover this power unit 'trick'.

It's rumoured to be worth about 0.3 seconds per lap which really could give Mercedes and their customer teams an advantage this year.

The latest on the issue is that the FIA have confirmed two meetings are taking place this week, according to The Race, with one being used to try and agree on a framework for future testing of compression ratios when engines are running hot, involving technical experts in the discussions.

Meanwhile, they will reportedly also be holding a meeting of F1's power unit advisory committee which will also be used to discuss the alleged power unit 'trick'.