Podcast: The 'catastrophic' F1 engine verdict Mercedes fears in 2026

It began with rumours that Mercedes had found a loophole in F1’s new engine regulations, and has now erupted into a protest backed by every one of its rivals. Where will it end?

In the latest episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show, Mark Hughes and Bryn Lucas explore the potentially devastating outcomes facing, not just Mercedes, but its customer teams McLaren, Williams and Alpine.

Watch above or listen below for a full explanation of why teams are objecting; why Mercedes is standing firm; and why the fallout could be ruinous.

F1’s governing body is determined to resolve the situation before the first race of the season; if it comes down against Mercedes, it could leave four teams unable to score championship points for months — perhaps the whole season.

On the other hand, if Mercedes prevails, it could leave other teams trailing for years to come.

Mark explains the potential outcomes, including a compromise that could put the focus back on the racing.

In the latest episiode, recorded just after the start of this week’s Bahrain test, Mark and Bryn discuss Audi’s impressive new sidepods; why drivers are talking about having to rewire their brains; and why Aston Martin have snapped up Jenson Button as its ambassador to Honda.

Your questions are answered too, included whetehr Daniel Ricciardo would have had more success in a 2206-spec F1 car, and whether simpler rules are on the cards.

We’ll feature more listener questions next week: don’t forget to post yours below:

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