The ruling on the ADUO engine has ignited a new political controversy in F1.

      Formula 1’s controversial ADUO engine assistance system is already igniting accusations of political maneuvering even before the FIA has officially clarified its decision. The governing body is anticipated to reveal the specifics this week, but leaked details suggest that Mercedes and Ferrari will receive development concessions, while Red Bull-Ford will not benefit. The ADUO system aims to support manufacturers that have lagged behind under the new and contentious 2026 power unit regulations.

      Reports from the paddock indicate that Red Bull’s combustion engine has been deemed the standard, rendering it ineligible for assistance, surprising many observers considering Mercedes’ strong start to the season. For Mercedes, sources suggest the FIA has concluded that the German manufacturer is approximately 2 percent behind the benchmark engine. Ferrari is estimated to be over 4 percent behind, which could unlock a wider array of concessions, including extended development hours, increased funding, and more flexibility in homologation.

      Honda is said to be the furthest behind, with a shortfall estimated between 6 and 8 percent. Audi is believed to be situated between Ferrari and Honda, qualifying for considerable support as it works on its first Formula 1 power unit. Dutch driver Tom Coronel expresses confusion over the rankings, stating, "I just heard the rumors," he mentioned to Viaplay. "It is now said that Ford has the best engine and Mercedes has the second strongest engine." He humorously indicated the political nature of Formula 1 by raising two fingers, suggesting, "In other words, the lobbyists of Mercedes are doing very well. I’m sure they’ll get paid well." Coronel suspects that there are significant political elements at play beyond just engineering.

      The controversy primarily revolves around the fact that ADUO measures only the performance of the internal combustion engine, failing to take into consideration battery performance, energy recovery systems, or electrical power output, which are all critical components under Formula 1’s heavily electrified 2026 regulations. Red Bull reportedly contends that its peak performance occurs only within a narrow operational window and does not accurately represent the overall capabilities of the power unit. Currently, Red Bull is concentrating on exploring performance enhancements elsewhere, with technical director Pierre Wache confirming that further upgrades are forthcoming. "In Barcelona we bring a few small developments," he noted to Canal Plus. "But in Austria, we will introduce a larger upgrade package." Wache also reiterated that Red Bull is actively working to eliminate any remaining excess weight from the car.