'Aston Martin matches Mercedes' F1 2026 trick advantage on pure performance'
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A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Mercedes' and Red Bull's supposed F1 engine advantage could see them rise above the rest of the field, with one notable exception, Aston Martin.
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.
'Aston Martin's fuel edge puts them on par with Mercedes and Red Bull'
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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.
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Stroll admits expectations are sky high at Aston Martin ahead of F1 2026
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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