Red Bull has appeared coy about its apparent change of stance regarding the controversial Formula 1 power unit issue.
The Milton Keynes-based squad was the subject of intense scrutiny throughout the winter, after it was discovered it had exploited a loophole in the new technical regulations.
Along with Mercedes, the Red Bull power unit – built with Ford – was developed with the ability to reach a higher compression ratio in hotter temperatures, with the regulation stating it must be 16:1 when ambient.
It led to calls for the FIA to take swift action from the other OEMs – Audi, Ferrari and Honda – which called a meeting to discuss potential changes to the regulations.
But then it was revealed that Red Bull decided to align itself with the discontented three, leaving Mercedes apparently on its own to fight its corner.
Speaking in Bahrain during last week’s first pre-season testing schedule, Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Wache indicated that its choice to vote with the trio, as part of the Power Unit Advisory Committee [PUAC], through fairness.
“Now, I think we are just following what the FIA says, to be honest,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“We just vote as a PU manufacturer to what we think should be fair for the system, and after the governance system, we choose what it will be.
“I think I’m not sure we changed our mind.
“We just follow the process on our side. As a newcomer, we just want to be fair with the system and follow all the elements.”
‘I’m no engine expert’ – Wache cagey on alleged Red Bull failure to capitalise on loophole
One rumour that was theorised when the information on Red Bull’s decision to stand with the other OEMs was that the team merely was unable to fully succeed on its take of the loophole, where Mercedes apparently struck gold.
When asked on whether this was the case, Wache skirted around the issue, saying: “I think I don’t know what the others are doing.
“I don’t know what they are doing, seriously. I don’t know if it’s true or not. At the moment, it’s just a rumour.
“And if I was trying to put in place a system that is fair for everybody in the different operations.
“But, yeah, I’m not expert on engines, and I don’t know what they are doing.”
READ MORE – Red Bull: ‘We are not the benchmark’ for 2026
Discussion about this post