This year, a new regulation period will begin in Formula 1. Ground-effect cars will be replaced by new engines of smaller size, with active aerodynamics and, most importantly, with a redistribution of the share of internal combustion engines to the electric motor from 80/20 to 50/50.

At the same time, there were other changes to the powertrain rules that initially received less attention but are now actively discussed. We’re talking about the compression level inside the engine.

In 2026, it will be capped from 18:1 to 16:1. However, Mercedes and Red Bull have found a way to get around this limitation and pass FIA testing while the engine is running on the track.

This solution allows you to gain up to 15 horsepower at the Melbourne circuit, where the 2026 season will start, which, according to calculations, is equal to approximately 0.3 seconds per lap. From today, engine manufacturers, F1 teams and FIA technical experts will meet to discuss the situation and the next steps to be taken.

Other manufacturers are unhappy with this turn of events and are already actively protesting to the FIA. The one who was most unhappy with this situation was Audi, which insisted on banning this approach.

The regulations state: “No engine cylinder may have a geometric compression ratio greater than 16.0. The procedure for measuring this value will be explained in detail by each manufacturer and will be carried out at ambient temperature. This procedure must be approved by the FIA ​​Technical Department and included in the manufacturer’s homologation dossier.”

This is exactly what Mercedes is interested in. Others insist: “Formula 1 cars must fully comply with these rules at all times during competition.”

And it is still unknown what the FIA ​​will do. There was previously information that they planned to allow this for a year, after which Mercedes would have to make changes.

But even such a “compromise” does not suit rivals. Audi technical director James Key said the following during the presentation of the team’s new car for the 2026 season:

“As always, we must trust that the FIA ​​will make the right decisions.”

“This is a new regulation. There should be equal conditions for everyone. If someone comes up with a smart diffuser and says it’s wrong and others can’t use it, but this team can use it in a year, it doesn’t make sense. We would never accept that.”

“I think if he’s missing something in the rules, it needs to be checked somehow,” Key said.

“That’s why we trust the FIA ​​on this, because nobody wants to miss the season if you have a clear advantage that you can’t do anything with a homologated power unit. So I hope the FIA ​​will make the right decisions for us.”

The FIA ​​is promising to make an announcement before the season starts, but they won’t have to wait that long. Today, on January 22, the first meeting of the federation’s driver and technical experts will be held to clarify the situation regarding the new engines.

The meeting was planned in advance and the first answers regarding the engines and possible solutions are expected today.

It is known that Red Bull reversed its decision and took a neutral position due to extreme risks to reliability. Mercedes continues to insist on the legality of its engine and has not made any changes to the design, working closely with the FIA ​​during the development phase.

Other manufacturers in protest are demanding clarification of the measurement methodology and changes to the procedure, or at least greater clarity regarding the maximum permissible compression ratio in the future.

Complicating matters further, it’s too late for manufacturers to make any design changes in 2026, so unless the rules are actually broken, it looks like any performance benefits from the compression ratio trickery will last until 2027.