FIAは、Mercedesのエンジン設計をめぐる論争の中で、2026年6月1日からFormula 1のパワーユニットの圧縮比測定をより厳格化することに合意した。新ルールでは、周囲温度および130℃のオイル温度の両方で検査を行い、いかなるシリンダーも16.0:1を超えないことを確認する。メーカーはPower Unit Advisory Committeeでの交渉の末、満場一致で合意した。
Formula 1のパワーユニット規定では現在、周囲温度で測定した幾何学的圧縮比16:1が許容されている。オーストラリアで検査された全ユニットは2026年の技術規則に適合していた。しかし、ライバルメーカーはMercedesが高温時にこの限界を超え、シリンダーヘッドのプレチャンバーにより最大18:1に達していると非難している。これは過去数年に許容されていた値だ。Mercedesが18:1に達した証拠はないものの、情報筋はそのユニットが16:1を超えていることを認めている。この噂は、プロジェクトに詳しい人物が他チームに移籍し詳細を共有したことが発端だ。
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Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has approved unanimous changes to how engine compression ratios are measured in the 2026 power units, effective from 1 June. The decision addresses concerns raised by manufacturers including Audi, Ferrari, and Honda over Mercedes' compliance during hot operating conditions. The revisions aim to ensure fairness while maintaining the 16:1 limit introduced to attract newcomers to the sport.
Formula 1's power unit manufacturers are preparing to vote on a proposal for additional tests to measure engine compression ratios under operating conditions. The change, aimed at addressing concerns over a potential loophole in the 2026 regulations, would require compliance checks at 130 degrees Celsius starting from August 1, 2026. The vote, submitted via email, is expected to conclude within 10 days.
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The FIA is seeking a vote from Formula 1 manufacturers on clarifying the 2026 engine compression ratio rules amid concerns over Mercedes' design. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the controversy as a 'storm in a teacup,' emphasizing that his team kept the governing body informed throughout development. The proposed change would introduce an additional measurement at operating temperature if approved.
The FIA, Formula 1, teams and power unit manufacturers unanimously agreed on adjustments to the 2026 regulations following a meeting on Monday. The changes focus on energy management to make qualifying more competitive and enhance safety. Most updates will take effect from the Miami Grand Prix onward.
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Formula 1 team principals and officials gathered for a commission meeting last Wednesday to tackle key issues with the upcoming 2026 regulations, particularly the new power units. McLaren's Andrea Stella highlighted four major worries, including race starts, energy harvesting, overtaking challenges, and the use of straight mode. While some concerns have seen progress through testing, others remain unresolved ahead of the season opener.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has revealed that Formula 1 teams and the FIA are in talks about potential hardware tweaks to the 2026 power units. These could include larger battery capacity or increased fuel flow to improve driving dynamics. Recent regulation adjustments ahead of the Miami Grand Prix aim to address some issues, but more substantial changes may take time.
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The FIA is testing adjustments to the Formula 1 start sequence during the second pre-season test in Bahrain following concerns raised by teams and drivers. New 2026 regulations require drivers to rev engines for about 10 seconds to spool up turbochargers without the MGU-H system. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have downplayed safety fears associated with the longer procedure.