02/28/26 09:33:00
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02/28 08:19 CST There's been a change to F1's engine rules and it could mostly
impact Mercedes
There's been a change to F1's engine rules and it could mostly impact Mercedes
LONDON (AP) --- Formula One 's governing body has reached a compromise with
manufacturers that changes the way the compression ratio will be measured
midway through this season and in the 2027 season.
New engine rules set out a compression ratio of 16:1 --- a measurement of how
tightly the pistons squeeze the mixture of fuel and air before it ignites, and
therefore how much power can be generated.
The regulations include a test to stop teams exceeding 16:1, but the checks
happen at "ambient temperature." Some rival teams have suggested Mercedes found
a way for components to behave differently when they heat up during use,
beating the test, though Mercedes says its engine is fully legal.
The compromise announced Saturday means the compression ratio will be
controlled in both hot and cold conditions from June 1 and only when hot from
the 2027 season thereafter.
There are seven F1 races before the June 1 test.
"The regulations introduced for 2026 represent one of the biggest changes in
recent memory," the FIA said. "All parties acknowledge that with the
introduction of such significant regulatory changes, there are collective
learnings to be taken from pre-season testing and the initial rounds of the
2026 championship.
"Further evaluation and technical checks on energy management matters are
ongoing."
Mercedes also supplies McLaren, Alpine and Williams.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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