The next chapter begins around the alleged ‘trick’ of Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains for their engines. Various media previously reported that the two engine manufacturers have found a way to adjust the compression ratio of their power sources without violating the technical rules. It has now emerged that Red Bull Powertrains reportedly learned this ‘trick’ through a former Mercedes employee.
Last Friday, several sources reported that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains are the two engine manufacturers that have applied a ‘trick’ to their 2026 engines. This would concern the compression ratio of the power source. In 2026, this may be 16:1, as opposed to 18:1, which was still permitted in 2025.
READ ALSO: First controversy about 2026 regulations looms after alleged ‘trick’ by Mercedes and Red Bull
Mercedes is said to have found a way to get the compression ratio to 18:1. The racing stable uses the fact that this ratio is only measured when the engine is not at full temperature. Complex components are used that deliberately expand when the engine warms up on the track. This forces the piston closer to the top of the cylinder during its cycle than when it is cold. This helps to increase the compression ratio. It would reportedly save the Silver Arrows three-tenths of time.
Former Mercedes employee
However, it was striking that Red Bull Powertrains – the engine division of rival team Red Bull – would also have used the same ‘trick’ as Mercedes. According to the Italian branch of Motorsport.com, this was due to a former Mercedes employee. The former employee is said to have changed teams, as a result of which the information also ended up at other racing stables, including Red Bull.
View the 2026 F1 calendar here
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