FIA ruling allows engine compression adjustments, can guarantee up to 15 extra hp and promises to fuel technical row between teams
Photo: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
The FIA has allowed Mercedes and Red Bull to use compression-modified powertrains. The authorization granted by the federation allows teams to implement modifications to the compression level of their engines.
The text on the compression ratio raises questions, because the regulations specify that it must be 16:1 at room temperature. However, there is no mention of the engine-running value, leading to estimates that Mercedes and Red Bull could reach as much as 18:1. This increase has a direct impact on performance, as higher compression improves fuel combustion efficiency. In practice, this represents an estimated gain of around 15 horsepower.
It’s up to Audi, Ferrari and Honda to make a decision: they can try to develop the solution or protest during the first races of the 2026 season, hoping that this pressure will lead the FIA to ban the solution.
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