Karun Chandhok breaks down Red Bull and Mercedes ‘clever games’ over 2026 engine compression row

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With Red Bull recently shifting their stance on Mercedes’ compression ratio trick, Karun Chandhok has tipped his hat at the Austrian constructor’s “clever” move.

Formula 1’s engine manufacturers are currently in uproar over allegations against Mercedes that suggest they have found a neat thermal expansion trick in their 2026 power unit that aids a ratio increase of the 16:1 that is outlined in the new regulations.

Ferrari emerged as the first antagonist to take action against Mercedes, and have since formed a ‘political alliance’ with the other power unit manufacturers on the grid to have it banned.

Red Bull were also understood to have put the alleged loophole to use, but have seemingly switched sides after it emerged that they were unable to replicate the advantage that Mercedes have found with it.

• READ MORE: FIA rules on 2026 Mercedes engine after ‘secret checks’ amid pressure from Ferrari and Red Bull

Is Toto Wolff playing mind games with Red Bull?

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Karun Chandhok praises Red Bull’s ‘clever games’ amid Mercedes engine row

Team principal Toto Wolff attempted to downplay the advantage that Mercedes are gaining from the increase in compression ratio by asserting that the alliance that has been formed against them will be ’embarrassed’ after finding out how little the performance gain really is.

Many have theorised that the trick is worth around three to four-tenths per lap, but the Austrian executive is under the impression that it is only worth two to three horsepower instead.

Red Bull’s U-turn on staying out of the debate was understood to have come after the Barcelona shakedown, where the impressive performance of Mercedes was on display.

With things unfolding at a rapid pace, Karun Chandhok has become the latest F1 pundit to offer his thoughts on the saga.

On his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former Hispania F1 driver wrote, “Got to love the politics of F1…

“RBPT switches sides on the engine compression ratio argument, so now Mercedes on the move to make sure they don’t get stung by a majority opposition.

“Lots of very clever [people] playing clever games… It was ever thus!”

Chandhok has been complimentary of Mercedes heading into the new term, and currently believes that George Russell is the leading candidate to secure his first F1 title this year.

• READ MORE: Mercedes becoming ‘more heated’ as FIA engine row continues during 2026 Bahrain testing

Who is your dark horse for the 2026 F1 title? 🥷

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Mercedes are ready to take action if the FIA rules against them in compression ratio saga

The FIA are hoping to have the ordeal sorted out before every team’s F1 engine is homologated on the first of March, ahead of the season-opener in Australia.

If the sport’s governing body opts to take action against the Silver Arrows, bosses at Brackley have already hinted at what they will do to respond.

Mercedes have threatened to boycott the 2026 season-opener in a move that wouldn’t just affect the works team, but all of their customer teams as well. That includes the reigning world champions McLaren, as well as Alpine and Williams.

Another option that has emerged is legal action. Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius is reportedly ready to ‘go to court’ in order to defend his F1 team’s philosophy.