2026 ENGINES LOOPHOLE IGNITES FIRST “WAR” OF THE NEW FORMULA ONE GENERATION.
Formula 1 is already facing a potential controversy ahead of the 2026 regulations, centred on suspicions of an engine compression loophole.
Rival manufacturers believe Mercedes (and possibly Red Bull) may be operating beyond the intended 16:1 compression limit by exploiting how compression is measured at ambient temperature, allowing thermal expansion at operating temperatures to increase effective compression and unlock gains estimated at up to 15bhp (and -0.300s per lap in some tracks.)
[Article C5.4.3, potentially violated by Mercedes and Red Bull]
According to Motorsport.com, recent movement of key technical personnel has brought greater scrutiny to Mercedes’ and Red Bull’s power unit development, with insider knowledge reportedly fuelling concerns over these grey areas.
Ferrari, Audi and Honda have raised the issue with the FIA, as a meeting between engine manufacturers is now scheduled for Monday 22 December to discuss the matter, placing pressure on the FIA to ensure regulatory clarity and a level playing field ahead of 2026.
With only a few weeks left until the beginning of track testing, the FIA finds itself in a tough spot.
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