The ADUO debate continues to generate discussion throughout the Formula 1 paddock, particularly following the publication of the FIA parameters that determine which manufacturers will be granted additional power unit development opportunities.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 UK after Friday practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, Williams team principal James Vowles addressed one of the biggest talking points surrounding the FIA’s findings: the fact that Red Bull Powertrains emerged as the benchmark when it comes to internal combustion engine performance.
For James Vowles, however, the FIA’s conclusions were not surprising at all. In fact, the British team boss believes the signs had already been visible from the opening races of the season.
“Was I surprised? No. I think I told you this back in Bahrain as well. I was very impressed by their car. Later during that weekend they turned the power down, but they were doing things on the straights that we simply couldn’t do. You can see it with VCARB as well. We cannot match them on the straights, and that’s a consequence of the power produced by the internal combustion engine.”
According to the Williams team principal, the data gathered on track had already suggested that the Red Bull project was particularly competitive in this area, even if it was impossible to accurately quantify the advantage without access to the FIA’s official measurements.
“Did I know they were exactly at 2%? That’s difficult to determine with our calculations. The FIA, however, has extremely precise torque sensors that allow them to measure everything accurately. The exact number surprised me a little, but not the fact that they are the best. They’ve done an outstanding job over the winter.”
Why is Mercedes winning if it does not have the strongest engine?
Vowles’ comments are particularly interesting because they help explain one of the less intuitive aspects of the ADUO system. Many fans have wondered how Mercedes has managed to win every Grand Prix so far this season without necessarily possessing the most powerful power unit.
For the Williams boss, the answer is straightforward: Formula 1 success depends on the complete package, not just the engine.
“It’s true that Mercedes is winning, but you have to look at the entire package. For example, I would say Ferrari is probably the best car through the corners. That’s something that isn’t always obvious from watching at home, but they are exceptional in the way they perform in the more technical sections of the circuit. At the same time, that also tells you something about the state of their engine. Winning races doesn’t tell the whole story.”
His assessment reinforces the idea that overall performance in modern Formula 1 is the result of a complex balance between chassis efficiency, aerodynamics, tyre management, energy deployment and power unit performance.
Why ADUO focuses mainly on the internal combustion engine
James Vowles also explained why the ADUO framework is built primarily around internal combustion engine performance rather than the hybrid elements of the power unit.
“That was a decision made by the power unit manufacturers. Battery efficiency is extremely difficult to measure, whereas the torque produced by the internal combustion engine is very easy to monitor when the electrical component is not contributing. That’s why it was possible to establish objective parameters.”
While acknowledging that there are still development gains available in areas such as battery systems and the MGU-K, the Williams team principal believes those improvements are generally smaller than the potential gains available from the combustion engine.
“You can improve MGU-K efficiency, energy recovery capability, battery cooling, or the speed at which energy is stored and released. But we’re talking about very small improvements. With the internal combustion engine, the gains are generally larger and it’s easier to find performance.”
As the ADUO discussion continues across the paddock, Vowles’ comments provide valuable context. The FIA data may indicate that Red Bull currently holds the advantage in pure internal combustion engine performance, but Formula 1 championships are rarely decided by a single component. Mercedes’ dominance in 2026 appears to be the result of a highly optimized overall package, proving once again that the fastest engine alone is not always enough to win races.
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