Overview
- Paddock reports suggest Mercedes, and possibly Red Bull Powertrains, can meet static tests yet run higher effective compression on track, with some estimates citing up to four tenths per lap in potential gain.
- The 2026 rules cap geometric compression at 16:1 and specify measurement at ambient temperature under Article C5.4.3, while rivals point to Article C1.5 requiring full compliance during competition.
- Audi, Ferrari and Honda have asked the FIA to clarify or prohibit the suspected approach, arguing the limit should hold under operating conditions.
- The FIA confirms a technical-experts meeting for January 22 before Barcelona testing and says broader 2026 power unit and chassis discussions are standard practice.
- Outright changes are viewed as unlikely before the season, with potential adjustments expected no earlier than the summer break or 2027, and reports indicate Red Bull has tried the method without a breakthrough and is publicly neutral.