Zak Brown Labels Mercedes Compression Ratio Saga “Typical F1 Politics”
Zak Brown isn't too concerned with Mercedes' power unit allegations as they are all part of Formula 1 and do not amount to anything.
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Zak Brown and Toto Wolff (via Planetf1)
- Mercedes accused of using illegal compression ratio in 2026 power units, allegations denied by Toto Wolff.
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown dismisses claims as typical F1 politics, asserting engine compliance with regulations.
- Brown confident all Mercedes-powered teams will participate in the Australian GP despite ongoing investigations.
Mercedes has continued to be in the headlines after being accused of using an illegal compression ratio trick in their 2026 power units to gain extra power. Though Toto Wolff has denied these allegations. Now, the German carmaker’s customer, McLaren, has opened up on these claims. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown is having none of these accusations and laments them.
Mercedes firmly believes that their power units are fully legal, and there are no tricks being used. McLaren, who achieved a highly successful campaign with Brackley’s engine in the previous seasons are looking forward to carrying forward their winning momentum. The team has also refused to be at a disadvantage because of being the Mercedes HPP customer team in F1.
Now, Zak Brown isn’t too concerned with the claims and believes that they are all part of the typical F1 politics. Brown reassured everyone that the engine was designed in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the 2026 season. The 54-year-old reckoned that smart design was all part of Formula 1, and the antics used were no different from Brawn GP‘s double diffusers saga back in 2009.
It’s typical politics of Formula 1. The engine has been designed and totally compliant within the rules, That’s what the sport is about. No different than things like double diffusers that we’ve seen in the past where they’re compliant within the rules.
Zak Brown said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Further, Zak Brown revealed that there wasn’t a significant advantage in performance as the competitors made it out to be. The Englishman reckoned that the rivals would make a story out of any perceived advantage. Regardless, Brown reiterated that the power units were developed in complete compliance with the regulations. Ultimately, the 54-year-old applauded the good work done by Mercedes HPP to develop competitive 2026 F1 power units.
I don’t believe there’s a significant advantage as being represented by the competition, but of course their job is any perceived advantage, they’ll make a story out of it. But the reality is the engine is completely compliant [and] passed all its tests. And I think [Mercedes] HPP has done a good job.
Zak Brown added.
Zak Brown reassures Mercedes and customer team’s entry at the Australian GP
Doubts surrounded Mercedes and its customer teams, namely, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams, showing up to the Australian GP following the compression ratio saga. Though FIA is actively looking into the matter and can ask the team to tweak their engines at any time over the season, Zak Brown isn’t too concerned.
Zak Brown clearly stated that he couldn’t imagine a scenario where Mercedes-powered teams did not show up to race at the Australian GP. Even if any illicit tricks were being used, Brown clarified that he was privy to those conversations and wasn’t an insider. The Englishman reckoned that the regulations might have to be changed if the engines aren’t compliant. Ultimately, the 54-year-old was sure that all Mercedes-powered teams would show up for the season-opener in Australia.
I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t have Mercedes teams on the grid in Australia, We’re not privy to those conversations, so I wouldn’t even know from a power unit point of view what would be required to change the regulations. But we’ll have all the Mercedes teams on the grid in Australia, I’m sure.
Zak Brown noted.
The 2026 season of Formula 1 seems to have begun on the right foot, as such accusations and claims push the team to achieve more success over the year. McLaren and Mercedes seem to be ahead of some of the rivals as they hope to start winning from the very beginning.
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