The compression ratio controversy will be addressed with a new test, but not until August. Until then, Mercedes F1 can ruin its power unit as currently set up.

The organization's announcement could finally bring a huge contention point regarding the 2026 regulations to a close if the rule change goes ahead - and potentially hurt Mercedes.

As always, here are the top stories from today, Wednesday 18th February. F1 returned to the track on Wednesday for the final week of winter testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Mercedes setting the 'benchmark' both in terms of lap time and mileage.

While the FIA has signed off on Mercedes’ 2026 engine, rival teams aren’t happy with how the private test was handled at their factory. The debate around Mercedes’ 2026 engine, built for themselves and customer teams Alpine,

Formula 1’s final preseason test ahead of the 2026 season is underway. All 11 teams are taking to the Bahrain International Circuit in their new cars, bidding to complete as much running as possible before the checkered flag on Friday.

Engine compression ratios have become a hot topic

The FIA has proposed a new approach to the way it tests for compression ratio limits, with Formula 1's power unit manufacturers to vote on whether to approve a mid-season change that could hamper Mercedes.

F1’s 2026 rules set a 16:1 compression ratio limit for engine cylinders. This caps how much the engine can squeeze fuel before burning it — the more you squeeze, the hotter it gets and the more power you produce, although if you try and do this too much it becomes counterproductive.

Mercedes’ rivals are scrambling to forge a united front over Formula 1’s simmering compression ratio controversy.

Sound editor Al Nelson wanted to recreate the experience of a Formula One race: “It’s something you feel in your bones.”

The second round of official pre-season testing for the 2026 F1 championship continues on Thursday (February 19) at the Bahrain International Circuit. Last week we saw all 11 teams take to the track after the closed doors shakedown in Barcelona last month,