Overview
- Alpine delayed its planned first run at Barcelona after not receiving required integration data for the new Mercedes power unit, with the team aiming to reschedule before January 26.
- Audi, Ferrari and Honda have questioned whether a Mercedes-related solution effectively exceeds the 16:1 compression limit in running conditions, citing Articles C5.4.3 and C1.5, and no immediate enforcement change has been announced.
- The FIA will revisit the matter at a January 22 technical discussion, maintaining current static checks in the meantime as teams work toward 2026 power unit homologation.
- The 2026 regulations introduce lighter cars with active aerodynamics, 100% sustainable fuels and power units supplying roughly 50% of output from electric systems.
- Pre-season landmarks include collective tests on January 26–30 in Barcelona and two Bahrain sessions in February, while Cadillac will unveil its car on February 8 and Honda’s Koji Watanabe cautions the Aston Martin project still needs more development.