Overview
- Audi, Ferrari and Honda have asked the FIA to clarify how the 16:1 compression limit will be enforced, with all five 2026 suppliers set to meet on January 22 to discuss dynamic measurement methods.
- Mattia Binotto says any ability to run a higher effective ratio would create a significant performance gap, with paddock estimates putting the potential gain at roughly 10–15 bhp.
- The FIA says it has seen no evidence of wrongdoing and is addressing the issue through technical forums, with no immediate rule change expected.
- Red Bull-Ford and Mercedes deny any breach of the rules, with Red Bull engine chief Ben Hodgkinson saying their approach is legal and concerns are overstated.
- Because power units are homologated and development is tightly limited, rivals warn an allowed exploit could be effectively locked in for 2026, prompting calls for in-run checks and talk of possible protests if clarity is not reached.