Adrian Newey Admits Bias Over Mercedes Engine Row

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Adrian Newey has admitted he is “biased” when assessing the controversy surrounding Mercedes and its alleged compression ratio advantage ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The German manufacturer has been under scrutiny after reports suggested it is capable of operating at an effective 18:1 compression ratio when the engine is hot and running, despite regulations stipulating a maximum of 16:1. Under current procedures, the FIA can only measure the compression ratio when the car is cool and stationary, creating a grey area that rivals believe could translate into a competitive edge.

Several manufacturers are understood to be seeking regulatory clarification, concerned that Mercedes could begin the new era with a significant performance advantage. The situation has intensified as the championship prepares for its opening round in Melbourne.

For Aston Martin, the matter carries added relevance. The team enters the season powered by Honda, having ended its long-standing customer relationship with Mercedes at the conclusion of 2025.

When asked by Sky Sports for his view on the compression ratio debate, Newey acknowledged his position may not be entirely neutral.

“I’m biased, clearly,” Newey stated. “Everybody is aligned bar one manufacturer. Where that will end up, we’ll find out in Melbourne.”

His remarks reflect the growing tension between manufacturers over how the new power unit regulations are being interpreted and enforced in their first year.

Aston Martin’s own pre-season preparations have been challenging. The team’s car arrived late at the Barcelona shakedown, limiting track time and placing additional emphasis on internal development priorities.

Driver Fernando Alonso, entering a record-extending 23rd Formula 1 season, indicated that while the team is aware of the controversy, its immediate focus remains on understanding its own package.

“To be honest, not really paying much attention. We had enough challenges at the moment ourselves,” Alonso said.

“We ran one day and a half in Barcelona, we have to understand a lot of our own things.”

Alonso confirmed that Aston Martin is monitoring the situation through media reports while placing trust in the governing body to reach an appropriate conclusion.

“We follow the case from the media and at the same time we trust FIA. Whatever decisions come, we will accept it. It will be nice to start all with the same rules.”

He also highlighted the long-term implications of regulatory clarity in the first season of a new technical cycle.

“The first year of the regulations is critical. You don’t want to give advantage for the next four or five years to one manufacturer, so we want to have clarity on that.”

However, Alonso stressed that Aston Martin is not deeply involved in the technical discussions currently taking place.

“As I said, not really deep into the conversations or the decisions yet, because we have a lot of things to do ourselves.”

With the Australian Grand Prix approaching, the pressure on the FIA to provide definitive guidance continues to build. The resolution of the compression ratio debate may shape not only the competitive order at the start of 2026, but also the regulatory tone for the remainder of the power unit era.