Speaking ahead of the Barcelona Grand Prix about the ADUO findings that reportedly identified Red Bull as the manufacturer with the most powerful engine, Max Verstappen admitted he was both surprised and confused by the FIA’s assessment process. The Dutch driver explained that the team is now waiting for the Federation to complete its review of the data.
The dominant story heading into the Spanish Grand Prix weekend is undoubtedly the FIA’s decision to delay the publication of the official ADUO results after Red Bull requested a review of the figures that had led to the conclusion that the Milton Keynes-based team possessed the strongest internal combustion engine on the Formula 1 grid.
On the Sunday of the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA reportedly sent all power unit manufacturers a technical report detailing not only which engine supplier ranked at the top of the performance evaluation but also how many development opportunities would be granted to manufacturers exceeding the 2% performance deficit threshold.
A surprising outcome for both Mercedes and Red Bull
In the end, the findings produced two major surprises.
Mercedes, which many insiders had expected to be the benchmark in terms of internal combustion engine performance, was instead placed in the performance deficit category between 2% and 4%. Under the ADUO framework, that would allow the German manufacturer to access additional development concessions.
In practical terms, according to the data used by the FIA, Mercedes’ power unit would be trailing the Red Bull benchmark by at least several horsepower.
The result came as a surprise not only to rival teams but also to Red Bull itself. As emerged during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, the Milton Keynes outfit formally requested that the FIA review the calculations and methodology that led to this conclusion.
Before the Federation communicated its preliminary findings, Red Bull had consistently maintained that it did not believe it possessed the strongest power unit on the grid. In fact, the team had repeatedly suggested that Mercedes still enjoyed a noticeable advantage.
A remarkable achievement with important consequences
On one hand, the FIA’s assessment can be viewed as recognition of the work carried out by Red Bull’s engine department. Only a few years ago, the team did not even possess its own dedicated power unit operation. Since then, Red Bull has invested heavily in personnel and infrastructure, transforming its engine project into one of the most ambitious technical programmes in Formula 1.
However, being identified as the benchmark power unit manufacturer also carries significant consequences.
Under the ADUO regulations, the manufacturer judged to have the strongest engine receives no additional development opportunities. Meanwhile, rival manufacturers that fall beyond the established deficit threshold gain access to both financial support and additional dyno testing hours, potentially allowing them to homologate upgraded units in both 2026 and 2027.
For Red Bull, therefore, being declared the reference point could ultimately limit future development options while competitors continue to improve.
Max Verstappen admits Red Bull was caught off guard
“I think we were all a little surprised by that news. I think that’s why we’re now talking with the FIA, to understand what happened and how they arrived at that conclusion,” Max Verstappen said ahead of the Barcelona Grand Prix, openly acknowledging the team’s surprise.
Teams generally have a fairly clear understanding of the parameters used in the ADUO calculations. Last year, the FIA even considered expanding the system by introducing additional secondary factors, such as turbocharger size, into the evaluation process.
However, the key issue may be more complicated than simply identifying which engine produces the most power.
With modern hybrid power units, outright horsepower is only one part of the equation. Each internal combustion engine is developed with different performance characteristics, designed to work alongside the electrical systems in distinct ways depending on the manufacturer’s overall objectives.
In that context, overall efficiency may be a far more meaningful measure than peak power alone. Efficiency should not be viewed merely in terms of fuel consumption, but rather as the effectiveness of the entire hybrid package operating as a complete system.
The FIA prepares to review the data
The FIA has previously explained that the data used in the ADUO calculations is filtered and weighted. For example, greater importance is assigned to performance at the beginning of straights rather than at the end, where aerodynamic factors can significantly influence the recorded figures.
The Federation will now conduct a full review of the information, a process that could take at least another week before any final conclusions are reached.
“I think it’s probably better to ask someone else how accurate the measurements really are. From our side, we’re simply surprised by what came out of it. Right now, it’s a bit of a mixed feeling because from the outside people might say, ‘Yes, that’s incredible,’ but we’re surprised because we don’t feel like we’re the best,” Max Verstappen added.
Despite his uncertainty regarding the FIA’s findings, the Dutch driver was eager to praise the engineers responsible for Red Bull’s power unit project.
“I think what the Red Bull engineers have achieved is genuinely impressive. If you look at the data, we’re certainly not the worst out there, and it’s remarkable what they’ve managed to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Obviously, we still have some reliability issues to solve, but overall it’s great to be part of this project and to see the determination of the people involved and what they’re trying to build.”
Verstappen concluded by emphasizing the mentality within the organisation.
“They’re never satisfied, I’m never satisfied, and they’re disappointed whenever things don’t go the way they want. So yes, in a sense we’re proud. We’re just a little confused about suddenly being described as the best because that’s not how we see ourselves.”
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