Under the new Formula 1 power unit regulations, discussion about the compression ratio flared up even before a single wheel had turned with the 2026 machinery. The ratio between cylinder volume with the piston at the bottom of its stroke and at the top was 18:1 under the previous regulations, but has been reduced to 16:1 for 2026 - partly to make it more accessible for newcomers.<br>Competitors ...<a class='more' href='https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-rivals-push-for-intervention-over-f1-engine-loophole-but-how-realistic-is-it/10795757/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-ALL&utm_term=News&utm_content=uk'>Keep reading</a>