Mercedes engine, not just compression ratio: rumors of early ignition problems

Everyone is talking about the Mercedes engine. Mercedes is widely considered to be the big favorite in F1, at least as regards the architecture of the new 2026 engine despite the recent controversy over the alleged irregularities in the compression ratio which would allow a gain of approximately 15 horsepower. And while many point to the Stuttgart manufacturer as the power unit supplier to beat in the next regulatory cycle, there is no shortage of contrary opinions: this is the case of former driver Johnny Herbert who revealed, during an interview granted to the JeffBet website, that he had become aware of some unexpected problems in these last stages of finalizing the project while awaiting its debut on the track. The rumors told by Johnny Herbert Herbert, who knows the paddock environment very well having also played the role of FIA commissioner for many years before ending his experience at the end of the 2024 World Championship, has in fact told some interesting background on the alleged problems of the Mercedes engine: “I have not yet received news from any team, but I have heard of problems for Mercedes, at least when they tried to mount the engine in the rear of the car and verified that it would not start. There are many rumors according to which it is the manufacturer in the best position to 2026, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.” However, it would not be the first time that Mercedes has encountered an engine problem of this type: already in 2023, for example, there were rumors of assembly and space difficulties, on the eve of a shakedown on the Silverstone track. At the time, the inconvenience had not however caused major delays in the development of the W14, although the engine had been frozen for years and was no longer subject to performance improvements, unlike that for 2026. “In general – adds Johnny Herbert – the factories are calm, the teams are working hard to prepare as best as possible. I’m sure there will be many small problems, which is a normal thing when you face a new year with a new car and new rules. There are many unknowns and it is always different when the car is tested in the factory and when it runs on the track.” The Mercedes engine is destined to continue to be discussed at least until the start of the new Formula 1 season, when the (first) balance of power on the track will truly be known.