sports
F1’s new engines are causing consternation over compression ratios
A loophole in the rules might have given Mercedes and Red Bull a big advantage.
TL;DR
- New F1 power unit rules starting in 2026 will place greater emphasis on electric motors, with the MGU-H removed and increased MGU-K power.
- The rule changes have attracted new manufacturers such as Audi and Honda, and have seen Red Bull develop their own engines with Ford's hybrid system.
- Audi, Honda, and Ferrari have filed a complaint against Mercedes and Red Bull, alleging exploitation of engine compression ratio rules.
- The FIA has clarified that current rules allow for a higher compression ratio due to thermal expansion of engine components at operating temperatures.
- New regulations also address fuel flow meters, forbidding any devices or procedures intended to alter their temperature to manipulate power output.