Hamilton urges FIA to address Mercedes compression ratio concerns

Lewis Hamilton has called on the FIA to ensure a level playing field amid paddock whispers that the Mercedes power unit holds a significant advantage due to its compression ratio. The Ferrari driver's comments come during pre-season testing in Bahrain, where lap times are shrouded in mystery but competitive suspicions are rising.

Why it matters:

The allegation strikes at the heart of Formula 1's regulatory integrity. If one team possesses a substantial power unit advantage from the season's start, it could predetermine the championship battle before the first race even begins. For Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, and other rivals, this represents a critical test of the FIA's ability to police the technical regulations fairly and prevent a potential dominance cycle from forming.

The details:

• Hamilton explicitly referenced the compression ratio issue when asked about Mercedes' strong testing pace, stating there are "whispers of extra power they have that the rest of us don’t."
• He urged the governing body to intervene: "Hopefully that gets sorted. And the FIA take care of that and make sure we’re all starting on an even playing field."
• The seven-time champion downplayed the significance of testing times, citing challenging, windy conditions in Bahrain that make true performance difficult to judge.
• Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time on the second day of testing, with McLaren's Lando Norris half a second behind, but fuel loads and engine modes remain unknown variables.
• FIA Single Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has acknowledged the issue, expressing a desire to resolve matters before the season starts to avoid "controversies" and competition moving "in the courtroom."

What's next:

Pressure is mounting on the FIA to investigate and clarify the situation before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Hamilton's public comments add significant weight to concerns already held by several teams. The governing body's response—or lack thereof—will set a crucial precedent for the 2026 season and either validate competitors' fears or restore confidence in the technical parity of the new regulations. All eyes are now on the FIA to enact a swift and transparent resolution.