Red Bull's Vote Crucial as Rivals Push Rule Change on Engine Loophole Ahead of Australian GP

Red Bull’s position could tip the balance on a contentious loophole in the 2026 power‑unit regulations that appears to give Mercedes a performance edge. As the Australian Grand Prix looms, rival manufacturers are lobbying for a rule amendment, while Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) weighs whether to support the change.

Why it matters:

• The loophole lets Mercedes run a higher effective compression ratio without breaking the rule.
• Unchecked, Mercedes could secure a power edge in 2026, reshaping the grid.
• Red Bull’s vote matters because RBPT also exploits the gap, turning its decision into a test of fairness.

The details:

• Mercedes and RBPT spotted the same gap in the FIA’s compression‑ratio definition.
• The wording permits a ‘geometric’ calculation that can be tweaked via valve‑train design, raising output.
• RBPT may keep the loophole but could back a change if it’s approved before the first race.
• A rule‑change meeting is set for early March, before the Australian GP on March 24.

What's next:

If the FIA adopts the amendment, teams must redesign power units before pre‑season testing, delaying development. If the proposal stalls, Mercedes could enter Melbourne with a clear edge, sparking debate over fairness for the 2026 season. The decision will set the tone for power‑unit battles throughout the 2026 era.