"With a swathe of new engine and chassis rules coming into effect for the new season, how teams have adapted will be key to their performance, and perhaps allow some to steal a march that could render them uncatchable. Before a wheel has turned in anger, there are fears that Mercedes who also provide engines to defending champions McLaren, Williams and Alpine and Red Bull have gained a vital advantage."
"The technical advantage is centred around engine compression ratios, the difference between the maximum and minimum volume of the cylinder during the piston stroke. This season it is set at 16:1, measured at an ambient temperature when the car is at rest, but other manufacturers believe Mercedes and Red Bull have used materials that give them an edge. When running on a track, they take advantage of the thermal expansion of components to increase the compression ratio and an engine's power but adhere to the rules when not running."
Honda unveiled a new engine in Tokyo. The Honda grand prix team and many Formula One rivals are worried a looming row over new engine regulations could overshadow the 2026 season opening. The FIA will meet engine manufacturers on Thursday before the first day of pre-season testing in Barcelona. New engine and chassis rules take effect for 2026 and team adaptations will be crucial to performance. Fears exist that Mercedes and Red Bull may have gained a 0.3–0.4 second per lap advantage. The advantage centers on compression ratios, set at 16:1 measured at ambient temperature at rest. Other manufacturers believe Mercedes and Red Bull used materials exploiting thermal expansion to increase compression and power on track while complying when not running.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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