Mercedes backed the rule changes for 2019 because it suits them and hurts rivals, according to Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko.
Many were surprised when the changes, featuring a completely different front wing that should make overtaking easier, were voted through by teams who traditionally struggle to agree.
'You can't always veto'
Auto Motor und Sport claims that Mercedes and Force India only submitted their 'yes' votes 15 minutes before the deadline.
READ: Vettel hits out at 2019 rule changes
"Actually we were 60 against it and 40 for it. Then we looked at the concept and saw that it made sense. You can't always veto," said team boss Toto Wolff.
However, Red Bull's Marko sees another reason why Mercedes would agree to the change.
"Mercedes wanted the new rules because they're at the end with their aerodynamic concept. They want to start from scratch because it hurts us," he said.