Pre-Season Engine drama

[Nitrodaze]

Rumour has it that Mercedes has built a monster engine, and Redbull have a similar concept. It is looking like a Mercedes Engine dominance is coming. This may be good for McLaren, but I suspect Mercedes may be the team to beat if the rumour is correct.

I am curious to see how the Ford engine in the Redbull hold up to the competition. Car giant Ford have alway built championship-winning F1 engines in the past, but times have changed as Honda found in the early stages of their return to F1.

I wonder if the championship is going to be fought between the Mercedes-powered cars. The Ferrari may have chassis challenges to overcome, but I expect the Ferrari engine to be up there with the Mercedes. The embarrassment that Ferrari has suffered in the 2025 season may drive them to produce a better car that may surprise everyone. They obviously need more than a better car to win championships. The need to carry out a major overhaul of their operation side, l feel.

[F1nKS]

For those who may not know what is going on. Mercedes has found a loophole that allows them to run their engines at a higher compression ratio (18:1 vs. 16:1). This will ultimately give them approximately 15 HP greater. RB may also be going down this path.

The other engine makers (Ferrari, Honda, and Audi) are asking FIA to intervene before the season and stop it.

If the FIA changes its procedures for evaluating engines, the RB and Mercedes could be crippled. FIA had pushed out a compromise that they will run with the 2026 rules and then change them for 2027. Ferrari is said to have filed a protest.

[Used to be Starter]

For those who may not know what is going on. Mercedes has found a loophole that allows them to run their engines at a higher compression ratio (18:1 vs. 16:1).

KaBoom!

[Steve Boyd]

I've also seen a rumour that Adrian Newey has found a loophole that gives more downforce than should be expected from the new chassis/floor regulations. We could be in for a repeat of the Brawn double-diffuser protests and appeals as well as an argument over engines.

[Nitrodaze]

For those who may not know what is going on. Mercedes has found a loophole that allows them to run their engines at a higher compression ratio (18:1 vs. 16:1). This will ultimately give them approximately 15 HP greater. RB may also be going down this path.

The other engine makers (Ferrari, Honda, and Audi) are asking FIA to intervene before the season and stop it.

If the FIA changes its procedures for evaluating engines, the RB and Mercedes could be crippled. FIA had pushed out a compromise that they will run with the 2026 rules and then change them for 2027. Ferrari is said to have filed a protest.

Well said buddy :-)