Explaining the 2026 engine loophole controversy

It’s not even 2026 yet but the first controversy of the new regulations has already erupted, as we discuss in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast. Jon Noble joins Edd Straw to explain what Mercedes and Red Bull are understood to be achieving in terms of the compression ratio of their V6 and how its rivals to react to it.

We explain what we know about the benefit in terms of power and efficiency, and why rivals are questioning it. We also look into what the FIA might do about it in either the short or the long term, and how the politics of the situation might play into it. Finally, we ask if it’s a problem given pushing the limits of the regulations has always been what motorsport is about.

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