FIA’s latest engine regulation rethink could halt Mercedes’ early dominance and force teams back to the drawing board
Just months into Formula 1’s new regulation era, the FIA is already preparing major changes that could dramatically reshape the competitive order — and Mercedes may have the most to lose.
The Brackley-based squad has emerged as the benchmark team of the 2026 season, winning every grand prix so far and building a commanding lead in the constructors’ standings. However, fresh adjustments to Formula 1’s future power unit regulations have ignited debate across the paddock, with some insiders suggesting the governing body may effectively be curbing another potential Mercedes domination cycle.
From 2027, Formula 1’s hybrid engine formula will move away from the controversial 50-50 split between electrical power and internal combustion output that was introduced for 2026. Instead, the FIA plans to implement a 60-40 balance favouring the combustion engine.
The move comes after widespread concerns that the current generation of power units places excessive emphasis on battery deployment and energy management, forcing drivers into aggressive lift-and-coast techniques during races.
While the FIA argues the adjustment is necessary to improve racing quality and drivability, questions are already being asked about the political implications behind the timing of the change.
Sky Sports F1 presenter Naomi Schiff believes Mercedes’ competitive advantage would certainly have been considered during discussions surrounding the revised regulations.
Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Schiff explained that the FIA’s intervention could significantly alter the long-term balance of power.
“There are so many different factors to this,” she said. “There’s a political aspect of obviously Mercedes is out in the front, happy with their engines, happy with their performance.
“I think some would say, ‘Would this be punishing them in some way?’ Because this could have been their era of domination yet again.”
Her comments reflect growing speculation within the paddock that rival manufacturers — including Honda and Ferrari — pushed for changes after struggling to match Mercedes’ early performance under the new rules.
Technical headache looming for teams
Beyond the political fallout, the rule revisions could trigger a major engineering headache across the grid.
Under the updated regulations, teams may need to redesign fuel cells and make substantial chassis modifications in order to accommodate the revised power demands. That presents a significant issue given how advanced many 2027 development programmes already are.
Teams are believed to be deep into wind tunnel preparation and prototype construction, with critical design deadlines approaching rapidly.
Schiff highlighted the logistical chaos the changes could create.
“This battery is just not efficient enough,” she explained. “Drivers are having to manage and manage and manage.
“If you go 60:40, there will be less battery management because the battery will last better. But this means you need to burn more fuel.
“For some teams, that could mean a new fuel cell, and potentially dramatic changes to the chassis.”
The concern inside several factories is that months of aerodynamic and packaging work may suddenly require revision, potentially increasing costs despite Formula 1’s budget cap era.
Mercedes still dominant but scrutiny increasing
For now, Mercedes remain untouchable on-track.
Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli currently leads team-mate George Russell in the drivers’ championship after securing three consecutive victories, while rival teams continue searching for answers.
However, Mercedes are also preparing for another FIA intervention much sooner.
From June 1, 2026, Formula 1 will alter the way geometric compression ratios are measured within power units. Previously, measurements were only taken at ambient temperatures while stationary. Under the revised interpretation, engines will also be checked at operating temperatures of 130 degrees Celsius.
The change directly impacts a clever Mercedes design solution that reportedly allowed its power unit to comply with the permitted 16:1 compression ratio while static, before effectively rising closer to 18:1 once the engine reached operating conditions on track.
That loophole will effectively disappear from the Monaco Grand Prix onwards, forcing Mercedes to revise part of its engine concept.
Whether the team can maintain its crushing advantage after those changes remains one of the biggest developing stories of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
With the FIA already reconsidering major elements of its new engine philosophy less than a year after launch, the political battle behind Formula 1’s next era is only just beginning.