Red Bull and Mercedes should be praised for potential engine innovation

Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains may have found an advantage ahead of the 2026 campaign, which should be celebrated rather than criticised.

The new engines will feature a 50-50 split of electric and internal combustion, placing extra emphasis on the hybrid component.

Formula 1 teams will take every advantage they can get, particularly at the start of the next ruleset when a new era dawns.

The compression ratio has been changed from 18.0:1 to 16.0:1 ahead of 2026. Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains may have found a loophole in the regulations to find more performance.

German outlet Motorsport Magazin revealed that some engine manufacturers on the grid asked for clarification from the FIA.

Mercedes and Red Bull may have found a way to get the compression ratio back up to 18.0:1, which could be worth around 15bhp. 

The compression ratio is measured only when the engine is not at full operating temperature on the circuit. It's being suggested that engine parts are expanding on purpose to help move the piston closer to the top of the cylinder.

This could translate to around three tenths per lap at circuits such as Albert Park, where the season kicks off in March.

If Mercedes and Red Bull have found an advantage, this should be celebrated as Formula 1 is all about innovation.

Both teams have a history of innovating with Mercedes' acing the hybrid engines in 2014. Their Austrian rivals waltzed to both titles in 2011, perfecting the blown diffuser.

It has become more difficult to innovate in recent years, as performance gains have become more marginal. Formula 1 also doesn't have a tyre war, and all 11 teams must use the same type of engine.

This development should push the rest of the pit lane to find more performance, as they may already be playing catch-up behind Mercedes and Red Bull.

Their customers may also benefit from this, potentially giving McLaren, Williams, Alpine and Racing Bulls an advantage.