Engine tricks and energy harvesting: how F1 teams can exploit new rules to win in 2026

A Formula 1 rules revolution is making cars lighter and smaller for 2026, with more electrical power. After the biggest changes in years, F1 teams are dealing with a whole new driving style and trying to find innovations that are within the letter of the rules. The engine rules set out a compression ratio of 16:1, a measurement of how tightly the pistons squeeze the mixture of fuel and air before it ignites.

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH