Just saw this again. Still funny to see
2026 season has not even started yet 
Apologies for the long reply but this is behind the news I think
Formula 1 looks to be heading for its first showdown over the new 2026 rules, with a potential engine loophole at the centre of a growing controversy between teams.
Just weeks before the new F1 cars hit the track for the first time, it has emerged that at least two manufacturers may be exploiting a grey area in the rules that could help them eke out a decent performance advantage.
High-level sources have indicated to The Race that the issue revolves around the manufacturers potentially having found a clever way to deliver a higher compression ratio limit than what has been theoretically imposed with the 2026 rules.
While no competitors have been formally identified yet, sources suggest that Mercedes and Red Bull are the manufacturers at the centre of focus of other engine makers.
Mercedes is supplying power units to its own works squad, as well as McLaren, Alpine and Williams, while Red Bull is providing engines to itself and Racing Bulls.
New limits
For the new power units that are coming, the regulations dictate that the compression ratio in a cylinder can be no higher than 16.0.
This is a drop from the 18.0 level that was a part of the previous ruleset.
With teams well aware of gains that can be had if they can increase the compression ratio, it is suggested that some clever designs are being used to achieve this higher limit – and still stay within the rules.
This is being achieved because, under the wording of the regulations, the compression ratio is only measured when the engine is not at full running temperature out on track.
It is suggested that complex parts are being used in the engines that deliberately expand when the engine is running hot – helping push the piston closer to the top of the cylinder during its cycle than when it is cold.
This helps increase the compression ratio – and therefore delivers extra performance and improved fuel efficiency – when the engine is running out on track.
The potential gains from this could make a big difference at the start of the rules cycle.
very simple answer..
If is is within the rules, it is legal, untill the rules are changed
Was the same with the mini DRS that McLaren had in the beginning of the 2025 season, after it was banned, it was suddenly not the fastest car anymore on all tracks
That is a nice diplomatic answer. To which the FIA will be looking very closely at. Cheers
Thanks for the detailed explanation of the engines.
I also think that as long as it’s within the limits, it should be okay.
However, the FIA will certainly take notice if one team stands out from the rest to such an extent and has a big advantage. And then the other teams will complain.
Because the FIA won’t want there to be a one-sided season for just one team.
That’s why I’m very excited about the new season. And I’m eagerly waiting to see what little tricks the other teams will come up with. 
Cheers! 
Most teams will try and tweak the general rules, and stay legal.
Because look at the last revision, that gave us those sort of mudguards on the front wheel to improve downforce, look at how Red Bull left the rest of the grid in the starting blocks. And Mercedes had the Por poising effect which caused them all sorts of problems.
Russell would very much like to be Verstappen’s teammate
Now that could be quite interesting if it became reality.
that could be George his last season in F1 then
Nice story about the last Ferrari World Champion
Kimi
Secret Santa 2025 edition
Stroll even messes up that one 
i have some nice things about Stroll, just could not decide what to post, so i post a few
Talk about expensive
How qualifying elimination format will change in 2026 with expanded F1 grid
At least that hasn’t changed all that much next season.