Red Bull challenges FIA engine rankings after ADUO review places it ahead of Mercedes

Red Bull is contesting the outcome of Formula 1’s inaugural Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) review, with team principal Laurent Mekies publicly disputing the FIA’s finding that the team’s internal combustion engine outperforms Mercedes’ unit. The FIA informed all manufacturers of the preliminary results in Monaco ahead of the Barcelona Grand Prix, but a public announcement has yet to be made.

The delay stems from Red Bull-Ford Powertrains’ dissatisfaction with the initial ranking, which placed Red Bull at the top with no upgrade tokens, awarded Mercedes one opportunity, and gave Ferrari, Audi and Honda two apiece. The team has requested additional checks from the FIA — primarily a factual verification to confirm that all sensors and data points used in the assessment are accurate.

“We certainly would like to have a deeper conversation because we do not see one single data sample that indicates that we would have an advantage over our friends at Mercedes,” Mekies told Motorsport.com after the Barcelona Grand Prix.

Mekies was careful to clarify that Red Bull’s objection is not with the structural design of the ADUO system itself. The measurements are based solely on ICE power output — a parameter all teams and manufacturers agreed to in spring 2025 discussions. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has noted he was open to broader parameters but that the paddock collectively opted for simplicity.

“No, no, we are completely okay with the fact that the rules state that you should only try to estimate the pecking order of the ICE power. We are completely okay with that. We have all agreed to that and we don’t think that is the issue,” Mekies said.

The stakes for Red Bull are significant. If the FIA’s rankings remain unchanged, Mercedes could strategically hold its single token in reserve until after the next ADUO assessment period, or deploy it on the electrical side of the power unit rather than the ICE — moves that could keep Red Bull locked out of development opportunities for an extended stretch. Mekies acknowledged awareness of that scenario, adding further urgency to the team’s push for a more detailed review of the underlying data.

The ADUO period in question covers races through the Canadian Grand Prix, and the resolution of Red Bull’s challenge is expected to shape how manufacturers approach power unit development for the remainder of the season.