Photo: Race Pictures

FIA confirm ‘some’ manufacturers found ways around compression ratio rules

20:50, 10 Feb

byTobia Elia

The FIA’s single-seater director has confirmed the federation’s intention to put an end to the debate over engine compression ratios 'before the start of the season.'

"Some have found ways to potentially increase it when the engine is running hot, and that is the discussion we're having now"

- Nikolas Tombazis

FIA outlines action plan to close engine loophole discussion

Speaking in a video published on the FIA’s YouTube channel, Tombazis acknowledged that “some” manufacturers have found ways to work around the compression ratio rules, but stressed that discussions are already under way to bring the matter to a swift conclusion and avoid further controversy.

"These engineers are very clever and always pushing for an advantage, some have found ways to potentially increase it when the engine is running hot, and that is the discussion we're having now," he stated.

"We have spent a lot of time discussing how we solve those issues. Our intention is to solve them before the start of the season. We don't want controversies. We want people to be competing on the track, not in the courtroom or the stewards' room, and that's what we're trying to do."

FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis - Photo: Race Pictures

Reports in the Italian media had suggested that the FIA could move to revise how compression ratios are measured ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, subject to the backing of four out of the five engine manufacturers. However, GPblog understands that those claims are being treated as little more than speculation.

What is clear is that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential change to the FIA’s measurement approach, but any adjustment is not expected to be introduced before the opening race of the season.

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Verstappen breaks silence over alleged engine compression ratio 'trick'

The four-time world champion was also quizzed on the much-discussed edge Mercedes is rumoured to have gained through its approach to the 2026 engine compression ratio.

Verstappen was asked whether Mercedes — alongside Red Bull — could benefit from a potential loophole allowing manufacturers to run a lower compression ratio, shifting from 18:1 to 16:1 and unlocking a possible performance boost. However, he chose not to engage with the debate, steering the conversation back to matters from a driver’s standpoint.

Read the full story here.