FIA review Formula 1 engine findings as Red Bull question upgrade data
The FIA is reviewing its Formula 1 engine performance findings after Red Bull questioned a ruling that grants upgrade opportunities to rival manufacturers.
Under the new Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, the sport’s administrators evaluated the pecking order of the 2026 power units.
Initial assessments concluded that the Milton Keynes-based squad produced the benchmark internal combustion engine.
Consequently, opposing manufacturers are permitted to introduce mid-season improvements to close the performance gap.
Upgrade distribution sparks debate
A document circulated to teams revealed that Mercedes will receive one upgrade after being judged more than two per cent behind the class leaders.
Ferrari, Audi and Honda have been granted two development opportunities for falling more than four per cent adrift.
Manufacturing their own powertrains for the first time in the sport’s history, Red Bull will receive zero developmental concessions.
The governing body has yet to officially ratify these results ahead of next week’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Verstappen questions performance data
The ADUO framework exclusively measures the internal combustion engine, ignoring the electrical components that generate nearly half of the total power output.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen expressed surprise at the classification during the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver highlighted that Mercedes-powered cars have triumphed in six of the opening seven races this season.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the constructor has opened a dialogue with officials to clarify the situation.
Where we certainly would like to have a deeper conversation is because we do not see one single data sample that indicates that we would have an advantage over our friends at Mercedes.
Mekies acknowledged the team agrees with evaluating only the internal combustion element, but insists a common-sense approach is required to ensure accuracy.
Discussions between administrators and all power unit manufacturers are expected to continue in Spielberg.
