A new chapter unfolds around the alleged ‘trick’ employed by Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains for their engines. Various media outlets previously reported that the two engine manufacturers have found a way to adjust the compression ratio of their power sources without violating technical rules. Now, it has emerged that Red Bull Powertrains reportedly learned this ‘trick’ from a former Mercedes employee.
Last Friday, various sources reported that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains are the two engine manufacturers who have applied a ‘trick’ to their 2026 engines. This would involve the compression ratio of the power source. In 2026, this may be 16:1, as opposed to 18:1, which was still allowed in 2025.
Mercedes is said to have found a way to get the compression ratio to 18:1. The team takes advantage of 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 circuit. This pushes the piston closer to the top of the cylinder during its cycle than when it is cold. This helps to increase the compression ratio. Reportedly, this would give the Silver Arrows a three-tenths time advantage.
Former Mercedes Employee
However, it was notable that Red Bull Powertrains – the engine division of rival team Red Bull – also reportedly applied 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 switched teams, resulting in the information also reaching other racing teams, including Red Bull.
