Red Bull's frustration mounts over contentious engine regulation.
Red Bull is reportedly quite upset regarding a controversial engine evaluation from the FIA that unexpectedly identified the team as the leading power unit manufacturer in Formula 1.
The issue revolves around the FIA's new ADUO system, which grants underperforming engine suppliers extra development opportunities. Journalist Erik van Haren from De Telegraaf stated that manufacturers received a one-page document in Monaco detailing the FIA's findings.
The evaluation supposedly focuses solely on the combustion engine part of the power unit. "About half of the power originates from the electric motor, but this is not included in this assessment," Van Haren clarified.
According to the preliminary findings, Mercedes is considered more than 2 percent behind the benchmark and thus qualifies for one upgrade package this year and next. Ferrari, Audi, and Honda are reportedly over 4 percent behind and may receive two upgrade packages. However, Red Bull gets no allowances at all.
"Sources indicate that Red Bull is very unhappy with the FIA's ADUO results, especially since, as a newcomer in the engine realm, it is instantly regarded as the benchmark," Van Haren wrote. The discontent is partly due to the fact that Mercedes has won every race so far in 2026, with many in the paddock believing that the German team has the strongest overall power unit package.
Red Bull is reportedly seeking clarification from the FIA, which has yet to publicly affirm the findings. The governing body has remained quiet despite rising speculation in the paddock, while Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies also opted not to comment in Monaco. A source mentioned, "He did not wish to comment yet because the FIA had not released the verdict."
The FIA's ongoing silence has sparked criticism from other quarters as well. L’Equipe journalist Frederic Ferret expressed concern that "the figures remain ambiguous because the Federation continues to operate in secrecy, lacking transparency."
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher speculated that politics may have influenced the situation. "Of course, the electric component is significant, but it was not factored into this comparison," he said on Sky Deutschland. "I believe Mercedes handled this very cleverly," he added, noting that Toto Wolff consistently emphasized that the Ford-Red Bull engine would be extremely strong.
He compared the situation to Balance of Performance in GT racing, suggesting that strategic operation is essential to capitalize on the season. "I think Mercedes accomplished just that. I wouldn’t be surprised if their engine hasn’t revealed all its abilities yet."
However, Schumacher also acknowledged Red Bull’s achievement if the FIA's assessment is accurate. "We must continue to highlight how remarkable Red Bull's accomplishment is," he stated. "In the end, it is still an energy drink company that is now developing a top-tier engine. Christian Horner deserves significant credit for that."
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