Mercedes and Red Bull are reportedly exploiting a technical solution that delivers a claimed 0.4 seconds per lap advantage through an increase in engine compression ratio when operating at full temperature. While the official limit remains 16:1, the reported gain comes from components expanding once the engine is warm.

According to reports cited by Grada3, Aston Martin could be the only team capable of matching this advantage due to its fuel partnership with Aramco. The Saudi company has been the sole fuel supplier for Formula 2 and Formula 3 since 2022 and has provided 100% sustainable fuel to both series since 2025.

Shell, Ferrari’s fuel supplier, has acknowledged its 2026 fuel project began in 2022, underlining the importance of long-term development. Reports suggest Aramco’s fuel work could offset the alleged compression-related advantage held by Mercedes and Red Bull ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.

Ferrari are reported to have confirmed Lewis Hamilton's race engineer Riccardo Adami's position as the seven-time world champion's primary point of comunication with the pit wall.

The move follows a season marked by tense radio exchanges between Hamilton and Adami, with communication issues repeatedly surfacing during races.

Speaking to Sport1, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher described the pairing as a disadvantage, stating that the chemistry between driver and engineer “isn’t right.” He also suggested that the characteristics of the 2026 cars could further challenge Hamilton, predicting they will be more nervous to drive.

Schumacher backed Charles Leclerc to adapt more easily, saying Hamilton prefers stability at the rear, while Leclerc can handle a less settled car.

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