Source: Mercedes Benz Archive

F1 News

Mercedes spark oil consumption debate once again

Mercedes spark oil consumption debate once again

22-05-2018 12:18

Sam Bytheway

Mercedes have opened the oil consumption debate again with a clarification request sent to the FIA.

When a team or engine supplier asks questions to the FIA, it usually either believes that a rival has already gained an advantage, or it has spotted a potential loophole and wants it to be addressed in public before anyone follows that route.

Mercedes told the FIA that it was happy for any feedback to be "circulated to all power unit manufacturers."

Its HPP division recently wrote to the governing body asking whether oil used "in the pressure charging turbocharger system" has to comply with Article 20 of the technical regulations, the section which covers the definition, properties and composition of oil.

Mercedes also asked whether turbo system oil has to be considered as part of the overall 0.6 litres/100kms oil consumption limit that was introduced to stop teams using oil for power boosting purposes.

The FIA has replied with an affirmative, confirming that all oils have to comply with the requirements as set out in Article 20, and that the turbo is considered part of the engine.