LONDON, Feb 28: 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 on 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 races before the June 1 test. Mercedes also supplies McLaren, Alpine and Williams. (AP)
