Andy Cowell Responds to 2026 Engine Compression Debate

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell has offered his perspective on reports surrounding a potential compression ratio advantage within Formula 1’s 2026 power unit regulations, an issue that has triggered growing discussion among manufacturers and the FIA.

Over the winter, reports emerged suggesting that Mercedes High Performance Powertrains had engineered a solution allowing a higher effective compression ratio under the new 2026 rules. Cowell led HPP during the development of the turbo-hybrid engines introduced in 2014, giving his views particular weight in the current debate.

The 2026 regulations cap compression ratio at 16:1, but the measurement is conducted at ambient temperature in the pit lane. At present, there is no approved method for directly measuring compression ratio while a car is running on track, creating scope for differing technical interpretations within the regulatory framework.

According to unverified reports, HPP and potentially Red Bull Powertrains may have achieved an effective ratio closer to 18:1. Such a figure has been linked to a theoretical performance gain of around 0.3 seconds per lap, although no such advantage has been confirmed by the FIA or the manufacturers involved.

In race terms, that margin could be substantial. Around Albert Park, a 0.3s-per-lap advantage would equate to approximately 17.4 seconds over a 58-lap grand prix. The implications prompted a scheduled power unit manufacturers’ meeting with the FIA on January 22 to discuss the matter.

Reactions across the paddock have varied. Audi chief technical officer Mattia Binotto has advocated for discussions aimed at developing technology capable of measuring compression ratio while the car is on track. Meanwhile, Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has stated that his new operation, which will run Ferrari power units, will compete with what he described as a “fully legal engine”.

Cowell addressed the subject while attending the launch of Honda’s new power unit, ahead of its partnership with Aston Martin under the 2026 regulations. He framed the controversy as a familiar pattern when major rule changes are introduced.

“The topic of compression ratio is always something that comes up when new regulations are introduced,” Cowell explained.

“Every competitor reads the regulations and pushes performance to the limit. Compression ratio is clearly a key enabler of thermal efficiency in an internal combustion engine, so naturally everyone tries to optimise it.”

Cowell stressed that innovation within the regulations is expected, and that the governing body’s responsibility lies in maintaining consistency across the field.

“I’m sure every power unit manufacturer is doing that. The FIA’s role is to make sure everyone is interpreting the regulations in a fair and equal way.”

The compression ratio discussion highlights one of the central challenges of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, where technical freedom and regulatory oversight must coexist. How the FIA resolves questions of measurement and interpretation may prove influential in shaping competitive balance during the opening seasons of the new power unit era.