FIA introduce proposal on test to tackle power unit issue
18th February 2026The FIA has confirmed they will introduce a new test to tackle the recent power unit issue, which is set to be voted on by the power unit manufacturers.
Ahead of the upcoming 2026 season, power units were a hot topic. Not just because of the big changes to the power unit regulations, but due to an apparent loophole that some teams had allegedly found.
It was strongly rumoured that Mercedes was one of the alleged teams that found the loophole, which – if true – could give them an advantage this season in engine power.
Under the new ruleset, the maximum compression ratio of the power units was reduced to 16:1. However, it is believed that Mercedes could run their car on track at a higher ratio of 18:1.
Mercedes’ engine is deemed to be legal under the eyes of the FIA and the sport, as the test has already been confirmed to be done under ambient temperature, not operating temperature.
However, on Wednesday, the Power Unit Advisory Committee has set out a proposal on how these power units will be tested.
From August 1, if the proposal is accepted, the compliance of the ratio limit must be demonstrated in both ambient and at ‘a representative operating temperature of 130°C.’
In their statement, the FIA confirmed:
“Over recent weeks and months, the FIA and the Power Unit Manufacturers have collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions.
“Following validation of this approach, a proposal has been submitted whereby, from 1 August 2026, compliance with the compression ratio limit must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions, but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C.
“The vote has been submitted to the Power Unit Manufacturers, and its outcome is expected within the next 10 days and will be communicated in due course.
“As with all Formula 1 regulatory changes, any amendment remains subject to final approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.”
Read more Formula 1 here:
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- F1 confirms circuit extension with calendar rotation
- Russell sets the pace after first hour of testing day 3
- Leclerc fastest after day 2 of Bahrain pre-season test
- Norris fastest after day 1 of Bahrain pre-season testing
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
