F1 Formula 1 - 2026 Season

[martinbo]

So, what do we make of the FIA’s sanctioning of Mercedes and Red Bull’s workaround for the new 16:0 (16:1?) compression ratio regulation?

In short, as long as the engine meets the mandated 16:0 compression ratio in static conditions and ambient temperature then it’s within the regulations. Apparently, MB and RBR have a way to alter (increase) the compression ratio during operation, seemingly by exploiting thermal expansion.

I don’t know how this works; I can only guess that the heat expansion of certain components, such as lengthening con-rods, results in a higher compression ratio at higher temperatures. Does anyone here know the correct story?

 

[Matski]

I think that's a fair summary @martinbo.

Same situation as it often is, not legal but passes the test. Unlike when this happens with Flexi wings, it's apparently not so easy to come up with a test to check the compression ratio of the engine whilst in use, so I'd imagine it'll be deemed okay for this season but they'll close the loophole for next year by outlawing whatever the method is, rather than changing the test.

 

[Swissbob]

The Flexi wings made Ferrari unbeatable in Le Mans.

Regarding CR.
Lengthening Con-Rods is exactly how it’s done, rumors say it’s 15bhp difference.