Red Bull is convinced the compression ratio of its 2026 F1 engine is within the regulations, as Ben Hodgkinson calls the recent controversy "a lot of noise about nothing"

The series’ United States expansion has boosted its fortunes in recent years, with new grands prix in Miami and Las Vegas capitalizing on the swell of American viewership. The 2026 season also marks the start of a deal with Apple as F1’s new U.S. TV broadcast partner.

Engine power wll play a major factor in the outcome of the 2026 Formula 1 world championship, but what are the teams using and how will it affect their chances.

Let’s delve into how F1 engines are developed, through advanced simulations, reliability testing, and performance development of power units.

Rivals suspect that Mercedes and Red Bull are exploiting thermal expansion to enable them to achieve a higher compression ratio than the permitted 16:1 when their car is running. Crucially, during the FIA’s static tests, the compression ratio is within compliance.

Cadillac will become F1’s 11th team in 2026 when it makes its debut at the Australian Grand Prix, marking an end to what was a long process to get to the grid. Back in 2023, General Motors and Andretti Global announced their intention to get into F1, but that was rejected as the championship wanted the team to agree to building its own engines.