P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Having banded together to try and counter Mercedes’ compression ratio advantage – F1’s other engine manufacturers may now vote down their own proposal
The saga of the engine compression ratio controversy surrounding Mercedes’ new F1 2026 power unit exceeding the 16:1 limit when hot has become increasingly convoluted.
The Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC) has put forth a ‘cold and hot test’ for a vote by the five power unit manufacturers but faces potential resistance, as some manufacturers favored a ‘hot-only’ test allowing engines to temporarily exceed the 16:1 ratio.
This cold and hot test aims to ensure compliance with regulations both at cold and hot temperatures, countering attempts to exploit temperature differentials for performance gains.
The paradoxical situation now sees rival manufacturers voting against their own interests due to the proposed regulations.
Implementing the proposed ‘hot test’ would involve heating engines to operating temperatures to prevent manipulation for competitive advantage, leveling the playing field for all manufacturers.
The intricate technical background shows that most power units, except for Mercedes, experience a decrease in compression ratio as they heat up during operation.
The crucial cold and hot test, crucial for maintaining fairness and aligning manufacturers on compliance, highlights the intricate dynamics of F1 power unit developments.
