Red Bull joins anti-Mercedes alliance: The inside story of the F1 engine controversy. Red Bull has aligned with Ferrari, Audi, and Honda in the F1 engine dispute.

It was a crucial day for the world of Formula 1, marking the full-blown eruption of the engine controversy surrounding Mercedes. After weeks of speculation, news finally emerged that triggered the chaos: the FIA has decided to change the measurement criteria for the new Power Units, moving from cold static tests to hot static tests.

This was made possible by an agreement reached among the four other constructors. Ferrari, Audi, Honda, and surprisingly Red Bull Powertrains decided to join forces to clarify the much-discussed Mercedes engine and its increased compression ratio.

Red Bull betrays Mercedes

As mentioned, this alliance was made possible by Red Bull Powertrains. The Austrian team unexpectedly sided with the other three constructors. Red Bull was aware of the so-called “trick” to modify the compression ratio but could not replicate it. After these attempts, the Milton Keynes team chose to inform the other teams about the potential use of the trick, effectively betraying Mercedes.

Previously, Red Bull had also been at the center of rumors suggesting that it was considering its own compression ratio change. These rumors faded over time, and the decision to ally with the other teams confirms the speculation.

Now the matter moves to a vote, which could happen shortly. Teams will not need unanimity to reach a positive verdict. The combined votes of F1, the FIA, and the four constructors will be enough for this new regulation to come into effect from the Australian Grand Prix. With Red Bull siding with the other three, the outcome of the vote appears almost certain.

As the technical landscape of the 2026 season continues to shift, this alliance marks a pivotal moment in the power struggle between the sport’s biggest manufacturers. The focus now turns to Melbourne, where the first official implementation of these hot static tests could dramatically alter the competitive hierarchy before a single racing lap is even completed. This high-stakes political maneuvering ensures that the battle for the championship is being fought just as fiercely in the meeting rooms as it is on the asphalt.