Mercedes and Red Bull have supposedly found 0.4 seconds worth of lap time with an increase above the established 16:1 compression ratio for the engine's cylinders when the cars are at running temperature. A remarkable alleged advantage, which could be matched by Aston Martin.

According to a report by Grada3, Aramco would stand as the fuel supplier who would have its affairs in the best order ahead of the start of the F1 2026 campaign when new regulations, including a new fuel composition, are introduced to the sport. 

The Saudi oil company is more than a mere title partner for the outfit owned by Lawrence Stroll.

Since 2022 they've been the sole fuel provider for the feeder series, F3 and F2, with both junior series making the switch to 100% sustainable fuel composed by at least 70% sustainable components since 2025, which was again developed and provided by the Saudies.

The impact the new fuel will have on performance is made evident by Shell - Ferrari's fuel supplier - and their admission that their 2026 fuel project started four years ago, in 2022.

According to said reports Aramco's fuel would see Aston Martin mitigate the alleged 0.4 seconds advantage both Mercedes and Red Bull would have found in their rumoured engine compression solution.

With Honda, a recent top performing manufacturer in F1  alongside Mercedes, engine guru Andy Cowell and Adrian Newey's technical expertise and leadership, Aston Martin's F1 2026 project could take the series by storm.

Lawrence Stroll says Aston Martin will become a full works team with Honda power units in 2026 and that expectations are “as high as they can be.” Read the full story here.

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