F1 2026 PU homologation deadline explained as Coulthard questions FIA – round-up

Jamie Woodhouse 01 Mar 2026 9:00 PM

Charles Leclerc driving the Ferrari SF-26

As the final non-race weekend of the winter comes to a close, let us recap the latest major F1 news headlines.

March 1 represents the homologation deadline for the new engines. David Coulthard, meanwhile, blamed the FIA for the engine compression ratio saga which dominated much of the off and pre-season. All of this and more, so let’s get to it.

F1 2026 PU homologation deadline explained

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Sunday’s March 1 deadline locks in the foundations of the F1 2026 power units, but what exactly are manufacturers signing off?

PlanetF1.com’s Thomas Maher explains, with Ferrari, Mercedes’ High-Performance Powertrains, Audi, Red Bull Powertrains [RBPT], and Honda all submitting their documentation.

Coulthard points finger at FIA for PU loophole

One of F1 2026’s early major talking points revolved around the power units, and talk of a loophole which had been exploited regarding the engine compression ratio.

Reports pointed the finger at Mercedes and Red Bull.

After the FIA moved to close that loophole, David Coulthard said the governing body was to blame for its existence.

Bernie Ecclestone feels sorry for Lawrence Stroll

We are less than a week away from the start of F1 2026 in Melbourne. The time before then is precious for Honda and Aston Martin.

This new partnership has encountered a very challenging start. Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone feels sorry for Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll.

Martin Brundle backs Lewis Hamilton

The situation is looking much brighter at Ferrari after an impressive run through testing. Lewis Hamilton is training harder than ever as he looks to compete for a record eighth World Championship.

Martin Brundle warns that a happy Lewis is a fast Lewis, and is backing Formula 1’s most successful driver for a better season.

McLaren just off leading trio?

This is the case, so says former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley.

A “clear group” emerged off the front during pre-season, according to Smedley, one which McLaren finds itself behind, but not by much.

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