P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 2026: FIA announce compression ratio decision after Mercedes engine controversy
The FIA has announced a decision regarding the geometric compression ratio controversy ahead of the 2026 F1 season. F1’s governing body made a change to the technical regulations just a week before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix following a vote among the five power unit manufacturers. The 2026 season brings significant regulation changes to F1, placing more focus on electrical energy and sustainable fuel for the power units. Mercedes had a clever trick in their power unit design that Max Verstappen believed gave them an advantage of 20-30 brake horsepower or 0.3 seconds per lap. The FIA’s decision to measure compression ratios at both ambient and operational temperatures will impact Mercedes’ design strategy moving forward. This ruling levels the playing field among the power unit manufacturers, potentially shaking up Mercedes’ predicted dominance in the upcoming season.
