McLaren's Brown dismisses fears of Mercedes-powered cars missing Australian GP

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has dismissed speculation that Mercedes-powered teams could be forced to miss the 2026 season opener in Australia amid a brewing technical dispute over engine regulations. He asserts the Mercedes power unit is fully compliant with the current rules, framing the controversy as typical Formula 1 political maneuvering.

Why it matters:

The dispute centers on a potential performance advantage and threatens to destabilize the start of a crucial new regulatory era in 2026. With eight cars on the grid—including those of Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine—reliant on Mercedes engines, any enforced absence would cripple the competitive field and undermine the credibility of the season's start.

The details:

• Reports indicate Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) may be exploiting a loophole in the 2026 engine rules regarding compression ratios.
• The new regulations cap the compression ratio at 16.0 (down from 18.0), but it is only measured when the engine is cold.
• It is alleged the two manufacturers have engineered methods to achieve a higher, more performative ratio of up to 18.0 when the car is on track, offering gains in both power and fuel efficiency.
• Rival manufacturers are pushing for a last-minute rule change before the Australian Grand Prix, potentially requiring sensors to measure the ratio while the car is running or in the garage at operating temperature.
• Brown, whose team is a Mercedes customer, stated he is "not privy to those conversations" between the manufacturers and the FIA but is confident all Mercedes-powered cars will race in Melbourne.

Between the lines:

Brown's comments reveal the high-stakes political game at play. By labeling the Mercedes engine "totally compliant" and comparing the situation to historical innovations like double diffusers, he positions any push for change as rivals trying to handicap a competitor's legal ingenuity. The outcome may hinge on Red Bull Powertrains' stance, as reports suggest they may not have mastered the alleged loophole as effectively as Mercedes, potentially incentivizing them to side with other manufacturers to close it.

What's next:

The FIA's governance process will be key. A significant mid-cycle rule change requires support from four of the five engine manufacturers, plus the FIA and Formula One Management.

• Meetings have already been held between technical experts and the Power Unit Advisory Committee to find a resolution.
• The coming weeks will determine if a compromise is reached or if the dispute escalates, potentially leading to protests or a fractured start to the 2026 season.
• Brown's prediction of a full grid in Australia suggests behind-the-scenes confidence that the current specifications will stand, at least for the opening race.