Cadillac chief says Ferrari engine fully legal ahead of FIA meeting

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon says the Ferrari power unit for 2026 is “fully legal”, as the sport wrestles with rumours that some makers may be sidestepping the new 16:1 compression‑ratio limit.

Why it matters:

• A legal engine gives Cadillac a clear performance baseline and avoids costly disputes that could stall the debut season.
• If other brands are exploiting a loophole, the FIA may need to tighten rules, reshaping the power‑unit landscape ahead of the 2026 launch.

The details:

• The 2026 regs cap compression at 16:1 measured at ambient temperature; rumours suggest Mercedes and Red Bull can exceed it when the engine warms.
• Ferrari, Honda and Audi have asked the FIA for clarification; Lowdon says Ferrari’s unit is “black‑and‑white” compliant.
• Cadillac will use Ferrari’s engine for its first two seasons, praising the partnership and noting Ferrari also provides technical staff to the American team.

What's next:

The Jan. 22 FIA‑PU summit will confirm whether the current interpretation stands or a rule amendment is needed. A clear ruling will let Cadillac focus on shakedown work, while any changes could force a redesign before the 2026 opener.