Riccardo Patrese: Very smart Mercedes and Red Bull should not be penalised

Ahead of the shakedown in Barcelona this week, attention centred on how both manufacturers interpret compression ratio limits under the new regulations. Former Formula 1 driver and Grand Prix winner Riccardo Patrese said the solution reflects standard engineering behaviour when rules change and teams search for performance.

Patrese explained that the regulations mandate a compression ratio of 16:1 when the engine is cold, but allow scope once operating temperatures rise. He said Mercedes and Red Bull remain compliant because the rule applies only at low temperatures.

“Mercedes and Red Bull are operating perfectly within the rules, which say the compression ratio must be 16:1 when cool,” explained Patrese, before noting that thermal expansion appears to raise effective compression to around 18:1.

The advantage, the Italian motorsport veteran stressed, comes from material development rather than mechanical manipulation. He described the solution as intelligent engineering rather than a loophole, saying: “They have a material that can improve the compression,” and adding that the engineers deserve credit for finding a legal way to increase performance.

Rival frustration was inevitable, but Patrese framed the reaction as familiar territory in Formula 1. He pointed out that technical disputes have shaped many eras of the sport, explaining: “In the past, Formula 1 had this kind of thing, somebody discovered something on the edge, and they got the advantage.”

The situation now places the FIA in a difficult position as pre-season testing is upon us. Patrese said any ruling risks creating broader problems, warning that approval would anger competitors while intervention would leave Mercedes and Red Bull without a realistic time to redesign an engine before the season.

Patrese urged restraint until all manufacturers run together on track. He said the true competitive picture will only become clear once testing begins, adding that it remains impossible to judge relative performance without seeing Honda, Audi and Ferrari operating under the same conditions.

He also rejected calls for punishment. Patrese argued that innovation defines Formula 1 and should be protected, stating: “Just because Mercedes and Red Bull have been very smart, they shouldn’t be penalised by the FIA for a brilliant idea on how to make the engine work better.” (Source: BetVictor Online Casino)