The Mercedes engine is at the centre of attention at the start of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain. Although Toto Wolff emphasised that Red Bull is the benchmark in his view, that does not change the fact that rivals are working on plans to get the compression ratio checks adjusted before the start of the season.
Rivals are urging the FIA to change the procedures, as Mercedes complies with the 16:1 ratio during static tests at ambient temperature, but can achieve a higher ratio while running on track. Like Williams team principal James Vowles, Wolff stresses that all Mercedes engines are fully legal, although he no longer categorically rules out the possibility of intervention.
