FIA schedules a meeting on January 22 as tensions regarding engines escalate.

      "The scheduled meeting will involve technical experts."

      The FIA has announced a technical meeting with Formula 1 engine manufacturers set for January 22, amid increasing concerns regarding the interpretation of the new 2026 power unit regulations.

      Controversy has arisen surrounding a Mercedes concept that competitors believe provides a genuine performance advantage while remaining compliant with current measurement methods. The discussion centers on the new maximum compression ratio of 16:1, which the FIA verifies under static, ambient conditions.

      It is understood that several manufacturers argue that once the engine reaches operating temperature, thermal expansion enables Mercedes to effectively surpass that limit in actual running conditions, without violating the written rules.

      In a statement, an FIA spokesperson attempted to mitigate concerns about an emergency intervention, emphasizing that such discussions are commonplace during significant regulatory changes.

      "As is typical with the introduction of new regulations, discussions regarding the 2026 version of the power unit and chassis are ongoing," the FIA stated. "The meeting scheduled for January 22 will involve technical experts. The FIA is continually assessing the situation to ensure the regulations are consistently understood and applied among all participants."

      Behind the scenes, however, this issue is politically sensitive. Ferrari, Honda, and Audi are believed to be seeking greater clarity—and possibly stricter wording—before winter testing begins later this month. All three manufacturers have made substantial investments in new power units for 2026 and are apprehensive about starting a new era with an inherent disadvantage.

      The challenge for the FIA is that Mercedes is reported to have shared its approach early in the development process and received confirmation that it adhered to the regulations as written. Any efforts to ban the concept retroactively could prove problematic.

      Publicly, Red Bull has maintained silence on the matter. This is largely seen as a strategic move, as Red Bull Powertrains is also rumored to have considered similar concepts.

      The situation inevitably brings to mind the beginning of the hybrid era in 2014, when Mercedes achieved a significant technical advantage, shaping the competitive landscape for years to come.

      Group testing is scheduled to commence in Barcelona on January 26.