The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has expressed its strong desire to resolve the initial significant technical dispute in Formula 1 prior to the commencement of the 2026 season in Australia.
A number of engine producers suspect that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains have devised a clever method to capitalize on the F1 2026 power unit regulations, which specify a compression ratio of 16:1, a reduction from the 18:1 ratio of the previous year.
This compression ratio is determined when the engine is inactive and cool; however, it is thought that Mercedes and Red Bull have discovered a technique to achieve higher compression ratios during on-track operation by employing materials that expand when exposed to heat.
The topic is slated for discussion between the participating teams and the FIA on Thursday, as multiple stakeholders are pressing the FIA to intervene should it be determined that the regulations are not being applied equitably by all power unit constructors.
“We must, as is our practice, have faith in the FIA to make appropriate judgments in this situation,” stated James Key, Audi’s technical director, during the unveiling of the team’s 2026 vehicle.
“These are new regulations. An even competitive environment is essential. If a team developed an ingenious diffuser and it was declared impermissible for others but allowed for that team for the remainder of the season, it would be illogical. We would never agree to such a scenario.”
Honda and Audi are among the parties concerned by the F1 2026 compression ratio trick
Photo by: Honda
The situation is further complicated by the fact that it’s now too late for constructors to implement any physical modifications for the 2026 season. Consequently, if no actual rule violation is found, it appears that any performance edge gained from this compression ratio method – estimated to be worth between two and three-tenths of a second per lap, circuit-dependent – will remain until 2027.
In an exclusive conversation with Autosport at the Autosport Business Exchange event in London, Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, indicated the organization’s strong desire to settle this issue before the commencement of the upcoming season.
“It is clear that we must approach these matters with caution,” Tombazis remarked. “Unlike in previous times, we are significantly more aware of the importance of teams sharing a consistent understanding of the regulations. We aim to avoid a scenario where victory is achieved by someone who simply found a ‘smart’ interpretation, if you will, or perhaps not necessarily brilliant, but rather overlooked certain aspects or found major loopholes.
“Therefore, our priority is to prevent such disputes and to guarantee that all participants have an identical comprehension of the rules when they compete.
“Unavoidably, with the introduction of entirely new regulations, certain issues will arise, and we consider it our duty to address these concerns prior to the inaugural race.”
Tombazis stated that unexpected developments are bound to emerge at the beginning of a fundamentally revised regulatory period, drawing a parallel to the porpoising phenomenon that went unnoticed until shortly before the 2022 season began.
Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Single Seater Director
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“There will consistently be unresolved issues that we failed to foresee accurately,” he commented. “Referring back to that particular instance, each team employs approximately 80 aerodynamicists, meaning all ten teams collectively account for perhaps 800 aerodynamicists, in addition to three within the FIA – that illustrates the workforce disparity. Yet, not one of those 800 detected it beforehand, making it a complete surprise for the entire sector.
“However, I would assert that, for the most part, we succeeded in bringing it somewhat under control before the inaugural race of 2022 – though not entirely eradicated – and it largely ceased to be a point of discussion by the middle of the season. Therefore, I believe the entire industry and the FIA demonstrate a commendable history of responding to challenges. Should similar problems arise, I am confident we possess the expertise to manage them.
“We benefit from a substantial number of skilled individuals and sophisticated simulation tools, and we engage in extensive cooperation with the teams, so naturally, if any issue emerges, we will take action.”
