As the Formula 1 world gears up for the revolutionary 2026 regulations, a storm has brewed over Mercedes’ (and reportedly Red Bull’s) approach to the new power unit rules. Headlines scream “loophole” and “cheating,” with fans on social media branding Mercedes as repeat offenders.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

But strip away the hyperbole, and what’s left is a classic tale of F1 at its best: innovative engineering pushing the boundaries of the regulations—exactly within them.

The crux of the issue lies in the 2026 engine rules, which cap the geometric compression ratio at 16:1, down from 18:1 in previous years. This change was intended to simplify designs and attract new manufacturers like Audi. The regulations explicitly state that this ratio is measured under static conditions at ambient temperature—a procedure unchanged from prior rules and approved by the FIA in each manufacturer’s homologation dossier.

Related Article: Formula 1 News: Engine row erupts over ‘alleged’ 2026 compression loophole

Mercedes engineered their power unit to comply precisely with this measurement when cold and stationary. However, like any engine, thermal expansion occurs when it reaches operating temperatures on track. This natural phenomenon can effectively increase the compression ratio during actual running, potentially unlocking extra performance—estimates suggest around 10-13 horsepower, worth 0.3-0.4 seconds per lap on certain circuits.

Rivals Ferrari, Honda, and Audi cried foul, arguing the rule should apply “at all times,” including under hot conditions. They sought clarification from the FIA, fearing an unfair edge for Mercedes-powered teams (Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, Alpine) and Red Bull’s outfits.

Yet the FIA has stood firm: the rules are clear, measurements are at ambient temperature, and no hot-condition checks are mandated. Mercedes developed this in open dialogue with the governing body, receiving reassurance that their interpretation aligns with the wording. Changing the rules now—mere months before homologation—would punish innovation while rewarding those who didn’t spot the opportunity.

This isn’t cheating; it’s brilliance. Formula 1 has always rewarded the sharpest minds who exploit every gray area the regulations allow. Think of Mercedes’ dominant 2014 hybrid era, born from superior interpretation of complex turbo-hybrid rules. Or Brawn GP’s double diffuser in 2009, Red Bull’s flexed wings, or Ferrari’s infamous engine tricks in 2019. The sport thrives on this cat-and-mouse game between engineers and rule-makers.

Calling Mercedes “cheaters” ignores the essence of F1: design genius usually wins. Their engineers outsmarted the field by optimizing for real-world performance while ticking every regulatory box. If rivals missed this thermal dynamic, that’s on them—not Mercedes bending rules, but mastering them.

As engines homologate in early 2026, the grid may face a Mercedes advantage out of the gate. But that’s the thrill of a new era. Protests could fly, rules might tighten for 2027, but for now, this “loophole” highlights what makes Formula 1 unparalleled: the relentless pursuit of advantage through intellect and innovation.

In a sport where milliseconds matter, smarter engineering isn’t controversy—it’s victory.

🎄 Merry Christmas from AutoRacing1.com 🎅

As the holiday season races in, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our journey this year. Your passion for motorsports fuels everything we do, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued support.

From all of us at AutoRacing1.com, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and high-octane Christmas. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of horsepower!

Here’s to a thrilling new year ahead — we can’t wait to cross the finish line with you in 2026.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

🏁
The AutoRacing1.com Team.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (WMC) – The dilapidated Memphis International Raceway will see tires on the track again.

This week, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) closed on the property at 5500 Victory Lane, which is also known as the Memphis Motorsports Park.

It’s been closed since 2022 and currently sits empty.

Located in the neighboring City of Millington, the Memphis International Raceway has played a significant role in the national motorsports scene since its opening in the late 1980s.

“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”

Under its new ownership, the track will operate as a multi-use destination for drag racing, car competitions, and more.

“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community. This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape,” said Chris Thomas, executive director of the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce.

IHRA officials say facility improvements and operational preparations will begin in the coming days.

An event schedule has yet to be released.

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Photo credit: Porsche

Porsche Motorsport North America is adding an indoor-karting pipeline to its driver development ladder through a new multi-year partnership with K1 Speed, the companies announced. The agreement is aimed at turning K1’s points-based monthly racing structure into a more direct on-ramp for standout drivers to reach Porsche Sprint Challenge North America or Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West.

The arrangement has a public-facing branding component and a competitive incentive. Porsche Motorsport branding will be displayed across all 72 K1 Speed karting centers in the United States, while K1 Speed decals will appear on the front bumper of cars competing in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West, and Porsche Endurance Challenge North America.

At the sporting level, the companies plan to select two drivers from among the top racers who reach K1 Speed’s national competition, one from the teen class and one from the adult class. For those two drivers, the entry fee for a future season in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America or USA West will be waived, according to the announcement.

‟K1 Speed hosts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts each year and all of us at PMNA look forward to connecting with them,” Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, said. ‟Whether they are casual fans of motorsport or are searching for a path into professional racing, we are excited to introduce them all to the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the opportunities that it offers.”

K1 Speed said its arrive-and-drive model and monthly race series create an accessible starting point, with points earned locally and top finishers advancing to state and then national-level competition. ‟It’s an immense honor for K1 to partner with Porsche Motorsport North America to provide up-and-coming American racers with an extraordinary opportunity,” said David Danglard, CEO and Founder of K1 Speed and K1 Circuit. ‟We built K1 on the belief that future champions start here, and this partnership with Porsche creates a pathway to take them from our indoor tracks to the country’s greatest circuits.”

In honor of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who, along with his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, died in a plane crash on December 18, KOHR Motorsports has announced that it will be paying tribute to the 55-year-old with a special livery at Daytona.

Biffle and his family died alongside fellow passengers Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton in the 19-time Cup Series race winner’s Cessna 550 Citation at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

Exactly who was flying the aircraft at the time, as three of those on board had licenses, was unclear as of a National Transportation Safety Board press conference on Friday.

NTSB Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker explained that having taken off from Statesville at around 10:05 am, the plane took a left turn, flying for around five minutes before turning back toward its origin.

Spotted flying low, Baker said, “The initial point of impact was a runway light stanchion located about 1,800 feet from the runway threshold.

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“The airplane subsequently impacted trees, two other runway light stanchions, and the airport perimeter fence short of the runway threshold before coming to rest near the runway threshold. The airplane also came to rest oriented on an easterly heading.

“Post-impact fire consumed the majority of the fuselage and the inboard wing sections. All four corners of the airplane and flight control surfaces have been identified in the wreckage and the debris field. Both engines were present with the main wreckage.”

Brutal footage showing the plane landing at Statesville, leaving behind a trail of flames and dense black smoke, has since made its way onto social media.

The NASCAR community was quick to rally, honoring the memories of those lost in the tragic accident with the likes of Richard Petty, Denny Hamlin, and Kevin Harvick among those to share moving tributes.

KOHR is now doing its part to pay tribute to Biffle, sharing renderings of its special livery for an upcoming race, along with the caption, “In light of last week’s tragedy involving one of Nascar’s 75 Greatest Drivers and off track Humanitarian, Greg Biffle [including his family & friends].

“KOHR Motorsports will be running a tribute 2002 @nascar Busch Championship No.60 Ford livery on our IMPC No.60 @fordracing Mustang GT4 during the upcoming IMSA Roar Before The 24 and 4 Hour BMW M Endurance Michelin Pilot Challenge.

“The race begins 1:45PM ET on Friday, January 23rd at Daytona International Speedway ahead of 64th annual Rolex 24.”

The black, white, grey, and red sweeping design imitates that of Biffle’s title-winning Ford Taurus. That 2002 season saw Biffle win four races in the No. 60 Roush Racing Ford, finishing in the top five a further 16 times and the top 10 another five.

The following year, he took to the wheel of the No. 16 Roush Racing Ford in the Cup Series for what was his first full-time season in the series. He won one race in his rookie season, continuing to race full-time in the Cup Series through 2016.

Biffle briefly returned in 2022 to make four appearances in the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, marking the final chapter in his NASCAR career.

As only a sixth-grader, Kroi Ryan has already made waves in Pahrump’s off-road racing scene, earning dual WORCS ATV championships in the 90cc class.

But while his trophies are impressive, it is his mindset and approach to life that set him apart.

As WORCS Racing joins forces with the American Motorcyclist Association to form the AMA 2026 West Regional Grand Prix, Kroi is gearing up for a full year of racing, mountain biking — and he’s eager to inspire other kids to face their fears and pursue their goals.

A new era for WORCS Racing and Kroi’s goals

Starting in 2026, WORCS will expand its schedule to 10 rounds across six states and merge with the AMA, introducing updated rules and age limits.

Kroi is excited to tackle at least four WORCS races next year, riding his APEX 90 ATV and Yamaha TTR 125 dirt bike.

He also plans to try some MRANN races, which are exclusive to dirt bikes, and is branching into mountain biking tournaments, as well as basketball, baseball, and soccer with Trojans basketball and AYSO 808 soccer.

“Even though we won’t be chasing a WORCS championship next year, our life will not be slowing down by any means. Nor will we be leaving the world of off-road racing,” Kroi’s mother Nicole said.

He’s also currently completing his hunter’s safety course, hoping to start hunting in 2026 — another challenge he’s excited to take on with the same mindset he applies to racing.

Fear, focus, and the joys of racing

For Kroi, racing isn’t just about speed or podiums — it’s about confronting fear and pushing personal limits.

“I am excited and afraid on the track. When I’m racing against someone as good or better than me, I feel a full-on ‘let’s do this’ competitive mindset. But when I’m done, I feel pride in myself for conquering my fears and finishing my goals. I love making it on the podium!”

He describes the thrill of racing as a pure rush of joy, whether going faster, jumping higher, or navigating tricky corners. At the same time, he’s aware of the risks: crashing, overshooting jumps, or hitting corners too hard. Safety gear helps, but it doesn’t eliminate the challenge — which is part of what makes the sport exciting for him.

“Fear is normal, just like failing. But if you let that stop you, that’s how you become a failure,” Kroi said. “Never let something control you. If you face your fears and your failures, you will always be in control.”

Inspiration beyond racing

Kroi knows his story inspires other kids with apraxia — he’s recognized in town and the racing community by strangers who read about his achievements in articles.

That directly motivates him to share his mindset and push others to overcome their own adversities.

“Life is hard. Something hard is a challenge. Overcoming a challenge is an adventure, with small achievements. Like a plaque on a WORCS podium,” Kroi says. “But the more achievements you make come true, the more you achieve your ultimate reward: your dreams.”

Kroi believes most in competing with yourself, improving every day, and celebrating personal victories.

His goal isn’t just to win races but to show that facing fear, staying persistent, and embracing challenges can lead to success in any part of life.

Contact Jacob Powers at jpowers@pvtimes.com. Follow @jaypowers__ on X.