Last Updated on January 21 2026, 10:45 am

Mercedes and Red Bull’s trick with the Ford engine: Audi fears being at a disadvantage – Ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the FIA is facing growing pressure as concerns mount over a potential performance loophole that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains/Ford may exploit. Several engine manufacturers believe that their rivals may have found a way to generate more power without technically breaking the rules, a situation that could have major competitive ramifications.

These concerns are expected to dominate discussions when the FIA meets with representatives of the Formula 1 power unit manufacturers on 22 January. While no formal protest has yet been lodged, there is clearly growing unease within the paddock, particularly among manufacturers preparing for the new engine era.

 

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How the alleged loophole works

At the centre of the controversy is the way compression ratios are measured and regulated. Under the 2026 rules, the maximum compression ratio is set at 16:1, with the FIA taking static measurements at ambient temperature.

However, it is believed that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains/Ford may be exploiting thermal expansion once the engine is running. According to reports, the materials and design used could allow the effective compression ratio to rise to as much as 18:1 under operating conditions. While the static measurement remains compliant, the engine’s real-world behaviour may deliver a clear performance benefit.

The potential gains are far from trivial. Paddock estimates suggest an increase of between 15 and 20 horsepower, which would improve both efficiency and outright performance. On certain circuits, this could equate to approximately three-tenths of a second per lap, a significant margin in modern Formula 1.

 

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Red Bull Powertrains has dismissed concerns

Ben Hodgkinson, head of Red Bull Powertrains, has played down the issue, describing the speculation as exaggerated. He suggested that rival manufacturers may simply be reacting nervously to the amount of engineering effort invested elsewhere.

“There’s always a lot of noise in this business,” he said. “People worry when they think others have put more brainpower into a particular area. Most of the time, it doesn’t amount to much.”

Hodgkinson stressed that Red Bull Powertrains is confident its engine complies fully with the regulations, while acknowledging that the team is pushing the rules to their limits — something he expects all manufacturers to do.

“I’d be genuinely surprised if others weren’t doing the same,” he added, insisting that the controversy is being overblown.

 

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Audi’s growing concern

However, Audi F1 project manager Mattia Binotto does not share that relaxed assessment. Speaking during Audi’s presentation in Berlin, the Italian made it clear that the potential implications are serious.

“If this turns out to be true in the way it’s being described, then we are talking about a significant competitive advantage,” he said.

He also expressed scepticism that the upcoming January meeting would produce an immediate solution. Instead, he expects discussions to focus on how compression ratios are measured and monitored.

“I don’t believe we will suddenly find a solution on 22 January,” he explained. ‘The more realistic outcome is a conversation about measurement methodology and how to manage it better going forward.’

 

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No protests, for now

Despite the tension, Binotto does not expect the 2026 season opener in Australia to be overshadowed by formal protests. The reason, he says, is a lack of clarity.

‘To protest, you first need to know exactly what you are protesting against,’ he noted.

At present, rival manufacturers appear unsure about the precise technical approach being used by Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains/Ford. Until this becomes clearer, it would be difficult to justify any formal challenge.

What is certain, however, is that the issue has highlighted the fine margins involved in the new engine regulations, and the potential for minor technical differences to have a significant impact on competitiveness.

 

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NEXT ARTICLE – ‘British Bias’ Big questions over Verstappen before 2026 era even begins

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator, Johnny Herbert, is questioning Verstappen even before the 2026 era has begun – Herbert has done it again. Even before a single competitive lap has been completed under Formula 1’s radical new 2026 regulations, the former F1 driver has already cast doubt on Max Verstappen’s future dominance, prompting renewed accusations of British bias in the UK press.

“Can I imagine the new rules not being to Max’s liking? Yes!” Herbert said, suggesting that Verstappen may not automatically thrive once Formula 1 resets its technical rulebook.

This is a familiar stance for the Briton, who has often criticised the Red Bull driver in the past, and it has resurfaced even before the new generation of cars has turned a wheel.

 

Verstappen’s dominance ‘means nothing’ for 2026

There is no disputing Verstappen’s statistical superiority during the ground-effect era. The Dutchman has won 51 of the 92 Grands Prix held since the regulations were introduced, making him the most successful driver of that period by a significant margin.

However, Herbert insists that this record counts for little once the sport enters a new technical cycle.

“Max Verstappen is only human,” he said. “Yes, he’s currently the best, but that doesn’t mean he’ll always be the fastest. It depends on the car and whether you’re suited to it.”

Formula 1’s 2026 cars will be fundamentally different, being around twenty centimetres shorter and thirty kilograms lighter. They will be equipped with active aerodynamics and powered by new hybrid engines running on sustainable fuel, with a 50/50 split between combustion and electric energy. DRS will be replaced by…CONTINUE WITH THIS STORY