P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Crunch talks are set to take place on Wednesday to resolve an engine dispute among the manufacturers and fears around 2026 F1 race starts
The second week of F1 testing is ongoing with teams conducting their final runs in the 2026 cars before the season kicks off in Australia. Today, two crucial meetings are scheduled that could have significant impacts on the upcoming season. The first meeting, involving the Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC) with FIA and the five engine manufacturers, including Mercedes, aims to address the engine controversy surrounding Mercedes in recent weeks. Speculation suggests that Mercedes may have found a loophole in the new engine regulations, potentially granting them a performance edge over competitors. Meanwhile, the second meeting focuses on concerns regarding race starts in 2026, with drivers needing longer periods to rev the engine for a successful launch. As testing continues in Bahrain, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments that could shape the dynamics of the upcoming F1 season.
