Cadillac chief Graeme Lowdon has publicly backed Ferrari's 2026 F1 engine as "fully legal" amid a brewing controversy over new power unit regulations. The dispute centers on compression ratio limits, with some manufacturers allegedly finding loopholes. Cadillac, a new 2026 entrant, will use Ferrari's power units until GM's own engine is ready in 2029.

Lowdon's confidence stems from Ferrari's strict adherence to the 16:1 compression ratio rule, contrasting with approaches from Mercedes and Red Bull. The new regulations represent Formula 1's most radical overhaul in decades, introducing new chassis and power units. Cadillac recently shakedown-tested their Ferrari-powered car at Silverstone, marking a milestone for the 11th team on the grid.

Red Bull engine chief Ben Hodgkinson dismissed the controversy as "just noise," insisting his team's power unit is legal. The debate highlights the intense engineering battle ahead of pre-season testing in Barcelona. With the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, all eyes will be on whether Ferrari's straightforward approach can compete with rivals' more complex interpretations of the rules.