P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s power unit boss Ben Hodgkinson has spoken for the first time of the compression ratio trick Mercedes is believed to have developed for its 2026 engine.
Red Bull’s engine chief believes the team is pushing the boundaries of F1’s new power unit regulations, especially after Mercedes’ compression ratio workaround came to light.
The compression ratio for 2026 has been lowered to 16:1, causing a stir in the technical aspects of Formula 1.
Red Bull, like Mercedes, may have found a way to skirt the 16:1 limit during races, potentially giving them a significant advantage in performance.
Red Bull’s technical director, Ben Hodgkinson, addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the compression ratio within the regulatory limits.
Hodgkinson expressed confidence in Red Bull’s compliance with the rules while acknowledging the technical complexities and competitive pressures in Formula 1.
Despite the controversy, he hinted that other teams are likely pushing the limits of the regulations as well, highlighting the fierce competitive nature of the sport.
Ultimately, he believes the noise surrounding the compression ratio issue may not amount to much, with all teams likely striving to extract the highest performance within the prescribed limits.
