Red Bull Powertrains Dismisses 2026 Compression Ratio Speculation as 'Noise'

Red Bull Powertrains technical director Ben Hodgkinson has downplayed recent paddock speculation regarding potential loopholes in the 2026 power unit compression ratio regulations. With the FIA set to meet manufacturers to clarify the rules, Hodgkinson believes the rumors are unfounded and expects all teams to be operating at the legal limit.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations introduce a significant reduction in compression ratio from 18:1 to 16:1, aiming to align with sustainable fuel requirements. Any perceived advantage in this area is critical because the FIA has adjusted electrical deployment variables, making every fraction of horsepower from the internal combustion engine potentially decisive in the competitive hierarchy.

The details:

• The Rumor Mill: Recent reports suggested that one or two manufacturers might have found a way to pass the ambient temperature test while running a higher ratio on track, potentially pointing towards Mercedes and Red Bull.
• Technical Reality: Hodgkinson argues that while the 16.0 limit is technically "too low" given modern combustion speeds, RBPT is fully compliant.
• Pushing the Limit: He states that every manufacturer should be aiming for "15.999" to maximize performance, dismissing concerns about others exploiting grey areas.
• FIA Involvement: The governing body will hold a meeting with technical experts on January 22 to ensure uniform understanding and application of the new homologation procedures.

What's next:

The RBPT power unit, the sixth-generation engine developed in Milton Keynes, is set to hit the track for pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain next month. Hodgkinson emphasizes that despite the regulations, there is always room for development, noting that even under the previous rules, teams found gains every year for over a decade.